Is it better for women to be fatter or thinner after they are 45? Gynecologists tell the truth

"Doctor, I heard that it's better for women to be a little fatter after they turn 40, but I'm also worried that being too fat will affect their health. What should I do?" Ms. Chen's voice revealed a hint of confusion. This is an elegant woman with a hint of worry on her face. Her name is Ms. Chen, she is 48 years old and has been troubled by her weight problem recently. I asked her to sit down and smiled and answered: "Ms. Chen, this is a good question. In fact, as people age and reach menopause, women's bodies do undergo some changes. However, it doesn't mean that being a little fatter is definitely good, or being a little thin is definitely bad. We need to consider multiple factors, including weight, body shape, health status, etc." Ms. Chen's story unfolded here, and her doubts also represent the general concern of many people about the weight problem of middle-aged women. The following are my views on this issue as a gynecologist:

The relationship between weight and health:

First of all, we must make it clear that weight is not the only criterion for measuring health.

A healthy body should be in a state where weight matches height, frame size, muscle mass and other factors.

Being too fat or too thin can lead to health problems.

Effects of Hormonal Changes:

As women age and go through menopause, hormone levels in their bodies change.

Declining estrogen levels may lead to a slower metabolism and changes in fat distribution, which may cause some women to gain weight during midlife.

Weight and risk of chronic disease:

Studies have shown that if middle-aged women are overweight, especially with abdominal obesity, they will increase their risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Therefore, maintaining a proper weight is crucial to preventing these diseases.

The relationship between weight and osteoporosis:

On the other hand, being too thin may also lead to health problems, such as osteoporosis.

Women who weigh less may be at higher risk for fractures because their bodies may not be subjected to sufficient load to stimulate bone growth.

The importance of individual differences:

Everyone's body is unique, and a weight management plan that works for someone else may not work for you.

Therefore, the best practice is to consult our professional doctor or nutritionist to develop a personalized health plan based on your specific situation.

I told Ms. Chen that whether her weight is appropriate needs to be evaluated based on many factors, including her height, body shape, and health status.

I recommended that she get a comprehensive physical exam, including blood work, bone density testing, etc., to get a more accurate picture of her health.

Next, I would like to explore in depth how middle-aged women can manage their weight scientifically:

Know your body:

First of all, middle-aged women should understand their physical condition, including basal metabolic rate, body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, etc.

These indicators can be measured with professional equipment or the help of a doctor.

Balanced diet:

Maintain a balanced diet with adequate protein, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, while controlling your intake of sugar and saturated fat.

The Mediterranean dietary pattern is recommended, which emphasizes plant foods, whole grains, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of fish and poultry.

Moderate exercise:

Regular moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, yoga, etc., can help increase metabolism, increase muscle strength, and improve cardiovascular health.

It is recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

Regular inspection:

Conduct regular physical examinations, including monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids and other indicators, as well as testing of bone density, to promptly detect and address health problems.

Mental Health:

Maintaining a positive attitude and reducing stress and anxiety are equally important for maintaining physical and mental health.

You can try relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises to help manage stress.

Sleep quality:

Get enough sleep. Good sleep quality helps regulate hormone levels and maintain a healthy weight.

Adults generally need 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

Avoid bad habits:

Reduce alcohol intake and don't smoke, these bad habits will affect your health and increase the risk of chronic diseases.

Social Interaction:

Maintaining an active social life and good relationships with family and friends is extremely important for mental health and overall well-being.

In short, weight management for middle-aged women is a complex topic that requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. I hope every woman can find a healthy path that suits her and have a healthy and happy middle-aged life. Thank you for reading. If you find this article helpful, you may share it with your friends and family so that more people can benefit. Every time you share, it is the dissemination of health knowledge and the greatest support for our work.