Midlife weight gain can start long before menopause – but you can take steps early on to help your body weather the hormonal shift

By: Vinaya Gogineni, Vanderbilt University and Anna Barton Bradley, Vanderbilt University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: December 26, 2025

Words: 1,144

Last Updated: 4 days, 5 hours ago

Body Text Preview

By Vinaya Gogineni, Vanderbilt University and Anna Barton Bradley, Vanderbilt University

You’re in your mid-40s, eating healthy and exercising regularly. It’s the same routine that has worked for years.

Yet lately, the number on the scale is creeping up. Clothes fit differently. A bit of belly fat appears, seemingly overnight. You remember your mother’s frustration with the endless dieting, the extra cardio, the talk about “menopause weight.” But you’re still getting your periods. Menopause should …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

Email Us