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💥 The Menopause Belly Is Real—And It’s Not About Willpower


menopause belly
menopause belly

If you're noticing stubborn weight gain around your middle—often referred to as the "menopause belly"—please know this: it is not a failure of willpower or diet.


This change is a direct result of the natural hormonal shifts that occur during perimenopause and menopause, specifically the decline in estrogen. Estrogen plays a key role in where the body stores fat. As its levels drop, fat storage shifts from the hips and thighs to the midsection, resulting in an increase in visceral fat (fat stored around the internal organs).


At Levinson Family Chiropractic in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, we want to empower you with the knowledge and tools to manage these shifts effectively.


While this abdominal weight gain is hormonal, we can push back by optimizing key lifestyle factors and utilizing targeted nutritional support.


🔑 Three Essential Strategies to Counter Menopause Belly


Focusing on these three foundational pillars will help you stabilize hormones, improve metabolism, and manage abdominal fat storage.


1. Prioritize Weight Training



Building and maintaining muscle mass is arguably the most critical factor in managing menopausal weight changes. Muscle is metabolically active and helps regulate blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, which often becomes impaired post-menopause. Resistance training, such as using weights or resistance bands, helps preserve your bone density—another critical concern as estrogen declines. Commit to 3 sessions of full-body resistance training each week.


Below is a full body workout. Do 3 sets of 8-12 reps of each exercise. Start with light weights and increase weights once you can achieve 12 reps without stopping to rest.


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2. Eat Enough Protein


Protein is essential for building that critical muscle mass, and it also boosts satiety (the feeling of fullness), which helps prevent unnecessary snacking and helps regulate appetite hormones. Aim for 25-30 grams of high-quality protein with every meal (e.g., steak, ground meat, chicken, fish, eggs, quality protein powders- ask Dr. Levinson if you are uncertain which protein powder is right for you).


3. Master Your Sleep


Poor sleep elevates the stress hormone cortisol, which directly signals the body to store fat, particularly around the belly. Chronically high cortisol also worsens insulin resistance. Prioritizing 7-9 hours of quality, restorative sleep is non-negotiable for hormone balance and weight management.


🌙 Targeted Supplement Support for Restorative Sleep


Since stress and poor sleep are major drivers of the "menopause belly," targeted supplements can be highly effective in helping you wind down and stay asleep, thereby lowering stress and cortisol levels.


You can purchase the following high-quality, professional-grade supplements directly from our trusted dispensary (at a professional discount), Fullscript, using your welcome link: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/levinsonfamilychiropractic.

Supplement

Key Benefit for Sleep & Stress

Instructions (Consult with Dr. Levinson if you need more guidance)

L-Tryptophan 500mg

An amino acid precursor to serotonin and melatonin, aiding in relaxation and sleep onset.

Typically taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

Ashwagandha

An adaptogen that helps the body manage stress and lower circulating cortisol levels.

Take 30 minutes before bed

Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P) 50mg (Active B6)

Essential cofactor for the conversion of L-Tryptophan into serotonin and melatonin.

Often taken with the L-Tryptophan or as part of a B-complex. Take 30 minutes before bed.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) 100mg

Supports healthy adrenal function, helping to balance high nighttime cortisol spikes.

Take 30 minutes before bed


💖 Take Control of Your Health


Understanding that the "menopause belly" is a hormonal phenomenon—not a character flaw—is the first step toward reclaiming your health. By diligently incorporating weight training, sufficient protein, and quality sleep (with supplement support where needed), you can make significant progress.


At Levinson Family Chiropractic, we offer a whole-body approach to wellness that integrates these lifestyle factors to support your overall hormonal health and musculoskeletal well-being.



 
 
 
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