SA Weightloss Hypnosis

Have you heard of Metabolic Syndrome, or Syndrome X?  This is something that I recently discovered in my studies to become accredited as a Menopausal Weight Loss Coach, and it groups together various health issues that often affect overweight middle-aged women. The symptoms may include weight gain around the upper and midsection, increase in breast size, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes (insulin resistance), and high cholesterol. For women going through menopause, these conditions can be warning signs for the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and facing higher chances of heart-related issues. The changes in hormones during menopause, alongside chronic low-grade inflammation, which increases with obesity, contribute to Metabolic Syndrome when women reach menopause.

Menopause, Metabolic Syndrome, and the Battle with Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is something that I hear often, when women come to see me to get help with weight, and it can be part of the transition into menopause.  This is a crucial stage that can trigger the onset of Metabolic Syndrome. Age-related hormonal changes can impact the production and release of insulin in the body, often due to the aging process of the pancreas, which can lead to irregular insulin levels along with a rise in blood sugar levels, which increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Exploring the Impact of Insulin and Glucose Regulation

So what is the role of Insulin? Insulin is a hormone created by the pancreas, and it holds a vital role in managing blood sugar levels. After eating food, especially sweet or highly processed carbohydrates, our blood sugar levels increase. When this happens, insulin is released to transport glucose to various cells in the body - the brain, muscles, and liver.

If there is an imbalance in insulin and another hormone called glucagon, it can lead to unstable blood sugar levels, energy fluctuations, mood swings, and challenges in managing what and when we eat, which then affects weight.

Navigating Metabolism and Menopause

The connection between menopause, metabolism, and inflammation have significant implications for women's overall well-being and weight management.

Our Metabolism is the sum total of all the chemical reactions that happen in a human body - and it's not just about how our body metabolises food - it's also about every other chemical reaction which includes our hormones. As women go through menopause and age, there are a whole host of chemical reactions going on which includes how our body manages insulin and blood sugar levels.  This is why it's so important to understand the benefits of managing insulin levels so we can improve our metabolic energy, have better moods & know how to manage our weight, which will potentially lessen menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, aches and pains, lack of sleep & midsection weight gain. 

While menopausal weight gain and related symptoms can be complex, I've found there are a couple of simple things that can be done to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms.

3 Tips to Address Metabolic Syndrome & Improve Metabolism. 

Eat the Mediterranean way: The principles of the Mediterranean way of eating have shown significant benefits to women in menopause. This simple way of eating is known for its emphasis on whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and moderate carbohydrate intake.

Choose Low Glycemic Index Carbohydrates: Opt for mainly low glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates. Low GI carbohydrates refer to food choices that don't cause a rapid spike in insulin levels. This can help to stabilize blood sugar levels and the insulin response. By prioritizing low GI carbohydrates, you can better manage your blood glucose levels and support metabolic health. Download my FREE Guide HERE.

Focus on Joint Health and Mobility: If we want to be active, we need to be mobile, so focusing on joint health is important. When our estrogen levels decline during menopause, our joints can begin to feel achy or stiff, which can cause a reduction in activity levels. This is why it's so important to continue to move your body in functional ways to maintain flexibility & strength. Simple movements like walking, swimming, yoga or low impact bodyweight exercises will benefit not only the body, but the mind as well.

Information is knowledge and knowledge is empowering when it comes to being accountable to support our own health and well-being.

If you're struggling with weight, have tried everything under the sun and nothing has worked, then book in for a complimentary discovery call and let's chat about some simple ways to find relief from menopausal weight gain. Book in a call HERE.