I understand that some women may gain weight during the menopause but my question is will you lose the weight gained once you have gone through the menopause?

Unfortunately, it can be quite difficult to lose that menopause weight gain. Falling oestrogen levels can cause a problem with carbohydrate metabolism in some women, making it very easy to put on weight regardless of how little they eat or how much they exercise; going on a low fat, low calorie diet very often results in more weight gain.

You need to eat well with plenty of good quality protein, healthy fats, lots of vegetables and a small amount of complex carbohydrates; this kind of diet helps to keep your metabolism working well without going on a starvation diet! Many women find low carb diets seem to work really well in the menopause and you can get books on this through Amazon.

Taking a kelp supplement can also be of benefit as this is known to help support thyroid function and the metabolism.

Exercise is very important but it is best to do short, sharp sessions rather than long hours down the gym and you do need time to recuperate afterwards so don't exercise seriously every day.

Eileen Durward