laurabird1,

The hormone changes associated with menopause are not necessarily the cause of weight gain. However, aging definitely plays a role in added pounds. As you age, your muscle is replaced with fat. Muscle burns more calories than fat does. When your body composition shifts to more fat and less muscle, your metabolism slows down. As a result, the number of calories that you need may actually decrease. Therefore, it is good to watch your food intake, though you still don't want to consume too few calories, which can also hinder weight loss. In addition, you may want to begin a light weight training routine to help re-build some muscle, and thus boost your metabolism. Please consult your physician prior to starting any new exercise routine, especially since you are still recovering from a broken neck.  Perhaps with the nice weather, light resistance training in a pool would be better for you?  Again, make sure to talk to your doctor.

Sincerely,

Ali Auerbach, MS, RD

Registered Dietitian

I am 54, going through a lengthy menopause, and get tested at my doctors office to get hormone levels checked. I  just started the slim fast plan one week ago. I weigh 190 lbs. and have a long way to go. Do you have any recommendations that I could adapt to my 1500/calories/day plan? I am not taking any hormones and don't plan to, but  somewhere I read that menopause can retain or help put on lbs. I get  hot flashes and night sweats and wonder if there are foods or supplements that would help.  I have a repaired broken neck, still very painful, and take opiates for the pain, so I walk, not run.  I have a video  for starter excercises, and will start it after my body adapts to the new walking regimen . I have been completely inactive for 10 years -time to change.  Any suggerstions? Here's to 60 lbs lost by Nov 1, 2009!