Health & Wellbeing What your wobbly bits mean!

If you find that you’ve put on weight during lockdown, your curves may be hiding a health concern

Love a sweet treat? You’re not alone. We’re a nation who loves to snack, with eight out of 10 Brits admitting to snacking up to six times a day during lockdown*. But, combined with the menopause, unhealthy eating can play havoc with your body shape.

‘Hormonal changes mean it’s normal

LOVE HANDLES

WHAT IT MEANS:

YOU COULD HAVE PRE-DIABETES ‘Many people have a normal BMI, but carry weight in their mid-section,’ says says functional health coach Fran Mcelwaine (realhealthandwellness.com). ‘This is a sign of insulin resistance in those who are not necessarily obese. It’s usually caused by a diet too heavy in carbs.’ HOW TO FIX:

Cut back on sugar and carbs (see ‘Stomach’ section), but also get moving. Just 30 minutes of exercise, five times a week reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Walk with a friend or walk the grandkids to school rather than driving. Speak to your GP if you’re worried about diabetes. for women to gain weight around their abdomen during the menopause,’ says Simon Wilkinson from body composition experts Tanita. ‘But the scientific consensus is that weight gain over the rest of your body is largely down to poor diet or lack of exercise.’

It can also reveal hidden health issues, so here’s what you need to know.

CHUNKY CALVES

WHAT IT MEANS: YOUR KIDNEYS ARE STRUGGLING ‘Storing fat well away from your mid-section is much healthier over the longer term, but thicker lower legs can be a sign of water retention, a sluggish lymph system or weakened kidneys,’ says Fran. ‘It can mean poor gut health or toxic overload.’ HOW TO FIX:

‘Eat less processed food, more leafy green veg and drink more water,’ says Fran. ‘This also supports the kidneys and helps reduce fluid retention. Regular exercise and home-spa regimens can also help.’

BINGO WINGS

WHAT IT MEANS: YOU NEED A DETOX ‘Bingo wings are usually due to the muscles in your arms becoming flabby from being under-used,’ explains Fran. ‘However, they can also be a sign of toxic build-up.’

HOW TO FIX:

‘You need to sweat more, either through hot yoga or by using infrared saunas,’ says Fran. Want to tone up? When you’re sitting at the kitchen table, place the palms of your hands on the top of the table and press them firmly downwards. Then place your hands under the table and press upwards. Try to hold these squeezes for between 10 to 20 seconds, then repeat. No one needs to notice!

BRA-STRAP BULGE

WHAT IT MEANS: YOU MAY BE CARRYING EXCESS WEIGHT ‘Back fat can be a sign of being overweight and, like bingo wings, it can also signal we’re not exercising our muscles enough,’ says Fran. HOW TO FIX:

Women should eat no more than 2,000 calories a day – and if you are trying to lose weight, the NHS recommends 500 fewer a day. Daily exercise can make a difference, too. As you’re getting ingredients together for a meal, grab a couple of cans and try this move to target shoulders, back and arms. Stand with your feet apart and arms extended straight out to the sides. Do 20 small backward circles, then 20 forward circles.

CHUBBY CHEEKS

WHAT IT MEANS:

YOU’RE STRESSED OUT

Chubby cheeks can be a sign of adrenal imbalance and the over-production of the stress hormone cortisol,’ says Fran. ‘For most people, our faces are the first places we put on weight.’ However, puffiness could also be caused by an underactive thyroid or steroid medication.

HOW TO FIX:

‘The best cure, whether chubby cheeks are stress or weight-related, is to eat well, drink more water and exercise regularly,’ says Fran. ‘Meditation, yoga and breathing exercises are all excellent at reducing cortisol levels.’