Many women gain weight once they reach midlife. There are many factors which cause this reaction. Age, menopause, genes and unhealthy lifestyle choices can all lead to unwanted pounds. Many women are even expecting weight gain once they hit their mid 40’s. However, that does not have to be the case. Just because a women is undergoing menopause, it does not mean that she is destined to gain extra pounds.

A recent study shows that women on average gain approximately 26 pounds between the ages of 18 to 55. Only 6 of those pounds are gained after menopause. What this means is that menopause is not the main cause of unwanted weight. Probably some of the biggest factors influencing the change in weight are genes and lifestyle. For instance, if a woman’s mother gained a lot of weight during her midlife, the chances are higher for that woman to undergo the same changes. However, this too can be prevented. If you know that you are prone to put on extra pounds, simply watch your diet and exercise.

This brings me to my next point. A healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of midlife weight gain. It is easier to prevent weight gain than it is to lose unwanted weight in the future. All women, not just those in their mid 30’s, should invest the time to come up with a healthy nutritional guide and a regular fitness regimen. Eating a healthy and lean diet can surely prevent weight gain shock! This does not mean that you have to starve yourself. It means eating smart. Eat a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low fat dairy. So don’t be afraid of midlife weight gain, face it head on with the necessary lifestyle changes.