It seems that middle age spread is not just an old wives’ tail. It really does happen, especially to women. The culprit, it seems, is the menopause:

 

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/5167344/menopause-blame-middleage-spread

 

What the research suggests is that women continue to eat the same amount they always did, but halve their exercise, with the inevitable consequences. The answer is simple – either decrease the amount you eat, or consciously maintain your levels of exercise. More exercise is the better of the two options since it has other health benefits.

 

If you are starting to approach menopause, don’t slow down! If anything, try to do more than ever, since physical activity helps reduce menopause symptoms. Presumably the andropause or male menopause has a similar effect. Our hormones have a lot to answer for!