The battle of the bulge at middle age
Q: Since I turned 50, I’ve been gaining weight and don’t seem to be able to stop the slow decline I’m feeling. What’s the secret to avoiding adding more weight and getting rid of what’s accumulated? — Haley T., Greensboro, North Carolina
A: You’ve asked a question that concerns many women your age. According to a new study on “Preventing Obesity in Midlife Women,” from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative, women gain weight at an average of 1.5 pounds per year during midlife – putting on 30 pounds between the ages of 40 and 60. The research found that 43 percent of women that age were obese in 2017!
This trend puts women in serious jeopardy, because obesity increases the risk for high blood pressure, elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke and dementia, and is related to 13 cancers and overall premature mortality.
There are many forces that conspire to cause weight gain, including changes in metabolism and hormone levels associated with menopause.
The good news is that all women can prevent the slow weight gain and reverse it if they’re overweight or obese. But, it isn’t something best done alone. The research found that it is important to join a support group, a weight-loss program, a walking club, get individual or group counseling, and/ or nutritional counseling — and perhaps take weightloss medications.
Q: It seems like everyone I know is getting diagnosed with some kind of heart condition. I fear I’m next. What’s going on? — Arnoldo G., Houston
A: You are unfortunately spot on — the current levels of heart disease in this country are staggering: One person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease.
The rise in heart woes is related to the rise in other chronic conditions.
If you have prediabetes, diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated LDL cholesterol or are overweight or obese, it is essential that you work to reverse or control those problems. Lifestyle changes (no red meats, a plant-based diet, physical activity, stress reduction, perhaps medication and regular checkups) are proven to give you back control over your health.
If you have not yet been diagnosed with any of those conditions, you want to stay that way. Getting
300 minutes a week of physical activity as well as strength-building twice a week, and adopting a plantbased, unprocessed diet is essential. Go for it!