During menopause, many women face challenges overcoming the physical changes that accompany oestrogen levels.
A great number of women navigating the transition period experience weight gain around the body’s midsection.
Billie Steele, 52, is among those who noticed her belly fat become more pronounced, but this didn’t deter her from achieving her dream physique.
In a recent Tiktok Clip, Billie explained that her journey to tackle her unwanted belly fat began in 2021, when she was 48.
The slimmer says menopausal weight loss starts in the kitchen
TIKTOK / BILLIESTEELE_FIT
“I think I’ll have a six-pack by the time I’m 52!” She declared.
“Gained over 20KG during perimenopause and my meno belly was by far the most uncomfortable and embarrassing part of my weight gain.
“My visceral fat was dangerously high and I was heading for chronic disease. Not long into my weight loss journey, I realised that a flat tummy is made in the kitchen.”
Billie’s breakthrough came with the crucial realisation about weight loss fundamentals; that a calorie deficit is non-negotiable.
“A calorie deficit is essential for fat loss, no amount of crunches will get rid of your belly,” she shared.
“I can now do my favourite jeans up and I no longer feel my belly resting on my thighs when I lay on my side in bed.
“My visceral is at a healthy level and I am no longer at risk for chronic disease. My C-section pouch has reduced dramatically and I am not comfortable wearing a bikini.”
Carrying excess belly fat is associated with regularly drinking and eating more calories than are burned daily.
The Mayo Clinic notes that getting older also makes a difference, however, as individuals lose muscle mass.
“The problem is worse for those who are not physically active,” noted the health body.
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Billie Steele achieved her dream body at 52
TIKTOK / BILLIESTEELE_FIT
“Loss of muscle mass decreases how quickly the body uses calories. That can make it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight.”
Research suggests that in women going through menopause, the number of calories burned during rest declines.
Though it may be tempting to adhere to a low-calorie diet to lose weight rapidly, this could result in muscle mass loss.
It is, therefore, more important to adopt a healthy lifestyle that can be maintained long-term and help preserve metabolic rate, reducing the amount of muscle mass lost with age.
