3 Easy Steps To Lose Menopause Weight Gain
How to Lose Menopause Weight Gain — And Find a Healthy Balance in Midlife
“How do I get rid of menopause weight gain?” As a menopause women’s fitness trainer, this is one of the most common questions I hear.
And I completely understand. As a qualified trainer in women’s health who has walked this journey myself, I know how challenging it can feel when your body changes seemingly overnight. But here’s the good news: it is possible to manage menopause weight gain — and more importantly, to feel healthy, strong, and confident again.
In this blog, I want to share with you not just tips for weight loss, but also how to create a healthy, balanced lifestyle through menopause and beyond. Because this stage of life isn’t about restriction or chasing unrealistic goals — it’s about learning to work with your body, not against it. I can honestly say that for me personally, my 50s have been the best years of my life, and I am so excited to embrace this 2nd chapter of my life. Exercise and nutrition have been the best way for me to manage menopausal symptoms.
Why Balance Matters During Menopause
Menopause is a natural life transition, and while it comes with hormonal changes, it’s not something to fear. When we understand what’s happening to our bodies, we can make better decisions to support our health, energy, and emotional well-being. This isn’t just about fitting into smaller jeans. It’s about:
Feeling more energised.
Sleeping better.
Supporting your heart, bones, and brain.
Managing stress and mood swings.
And yes, maintaining a healthy, strong body that you feel good in.
What Causes Menopause Weight Gain?
Let’s break it down:
Hormonal Shifts
As oestrogen levels decline, fat tends to redistribute around the middle, leading to what many call the “menopause belly.”
Loss of Muscle Mass (Sarcopenia)
From our mid-30s onward, we naturally lose muscle if we’re not actively maintaining it. Less muscle means a slower metabolism and fewer calories burned at rest.
Sleep Disruption
Poor sleep (another common menopause symptom) affects hunger-regulating hormones, making cravings more intense and weight gain more likely.
Stress and Cortisol
Midlife stress can spike cortisol levels — a hormone that encourages fat storage, especially around the belly.
The Solution: Health, Not Just Weight Loss
The secret to managing menopause weight gain isn’t found in extremes — it’s in consistency, balance, and smart habits. Here’s what really works:
STEP 1: EXERCISE IS KEY
Forget endless crunches and planks — they won’t shift hormonal belly fat. Instead, focus on: Standing cardio ab workouts.
Multi-compound bodyweight moves (exercises that use several muscles at once) as well as Multi-directional movements for balance, mobility, and core strength. These exercises help boost metabolism, preserve muscle mass, and improve hormone regulation — all essential in midlife. You can find lots of these for free on my YouTube Channel
STEP 2: HEALTHY EATING
Nourishment, Not Restriction
Nutrition during menopause is about fuelling your body, not punishing it. That means:
Eat plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, pulses and good fats.
Eat plenty of protein to support muscle and keep you full.
Cut back on hidden sugars (check labels — anything over 6g of sugar per 100g is considered high).
Avoid highly processed foods and stick to simple, home-cooked meals when you can.
This isn’t about dieting — it’s about eating in a way that makes you feel good and supports your hormones, energy, and mood. You can read this blog here in the Best Foods To Help Ease Menopause Symptoms.
Prioritise Sleep and Recovery
STEP 3: SLEEP
Exercise helps regulate your sleep patterns by using up energy and promoting better rest. And sleep, in turn, supports metabolism, mental clarity, and appetite control.
So if you’re tossing and turning at night, getting regular movement into your day may be one of the best remedies.
You’re Not “Losing” — You’re Gaining Strength
Let’s flip the narrative. Menopause isn’t something to dread — it’s a powerful new chapter. With the right approach, you can:
Lose unwanted weight.
Build strength and confidence.
Feel calm, clear, and in control.
Step into your Menopause and beyond feeling better than ever.
And no, menopause is not a sentence to buying bigger clothes or “just accepting” the changes. You can look and feel fabulous, strong, and vibrant at any age.
Final Thoughts
Menopause is not an illness. It’s a natural, powerful transition, and when you take care of your body with the right movement, nourishment, and mindset, it becomes a beautiful opportunity for growth.
So, whether you’re in perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause, now is the time to focus on your health. Don’t chase perfection — just aim for progress. Focus on balance. Be kind to your body. And remember, it’s never too late to feel amazing in your own skin.