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Q: Why is it harder to lose weight after menopause even when you're exercising and eating right?
A: Unfortunately, during the menopausal transition, a slower metabolism and decreased estrogen correlate with unwanted weight gain, especially around the belly. There's no way to isolate fat reduction in one specific area, so overall weight loss should be the goal. I encourage my patients to add flaxseed to their diet to help control appetite by providing a feeling of fullness. I also recommend green tea, which contains antioxidants that may help boost metabolism , and ginseng and vitamin B complex, which may increase energy. — Lynn Pattimakiel, MD, associate staff member at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Specialized Women's Health
From the
June 2015 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
