How much weight gain is typical during the menopausal transition, and over what period does it occur?
Most women do experience some weight gain during the menopausal transition, and it tends to happen gradually.
How much weight gain is typical?
Research shows:
About 5 to 8 pounds on average from the start of perimenopause through the first year after your final period
Some women gain less, some gain more
About 20 percent of women report gaining more than 10 pounds
On average, women gain about 1 pound per year during this phase
The gain is usually modest. A 40 pound increase, for example, is unlikely to be due to menopause alone.
Over what period does it occur?
Weight gain typically happens:
During perimenopause, which can last several years
Gradually, from the onset of hormonal changes through the first year without a period
Sometimes over as long as 5 to 10 years, since perimenopause itself can last up to a decade
You can read more here: Menopausal Weight Changes Explained | Alloy and Perimenopause Weight Gain - How to Put a Pause on It | Alloy.
If you prefer to hear an expert break it down, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin discusses typical weight gain during menopause in this video chapter: Menopause Myth Busting: Separating Fact from Fiction | Dr. Mary Jane Minkin - Weight Gain During Menopause At Alloy, we also offer weight health solutions, including GLP-1 based treatments for eligible patients. You can explore options here: Weight Health Solutions | Alloy
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