Ever noticed how menopause advice seems to come with a side of ‘drop those pounds’ every single time? You’re not imagining things. Weight gain is often the very first symptom women notice during perimenopause—and, conveniently, also the first thing many are told to ‘fix.’ But is this relentless focus on diet really the best approach, or is it just feeding into a toxic culture that leaves women feeling worse, not better?

Recently, Cole Kazdin penned a powerful essay for TIME titled “Why Does Menopause Treatment Always Include a Diet?”, shedding light on this very issue. Kazdin pinpoints a troubling pattern: the moment a woman starts navigating the hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause, the conversation swiftly shifts to weight management—almost like it’s the magic wand to ‘solve’ everything else. Spoiler alert: it’s not.

The Weighty Problem with Weight Focus

Let’s face it, perimenopause comes with its own brand of chaos—hot flashes, mood swings, disrupted sleep, and yes, changes in metabolism that can lead to weight gain. But when the medical narrative reduces this complex phase to “you’re gaining weight, so you must diet,” it oversimplifies a deeply personal and multifaceted experience.

This singular focus can inadvertently trigger or worsen disordered eating patterns in a group already vulnerable to body image issues. Kazdin argues that this diet-first mentality misses the emotional and psychological toll menopause takes, turning women into calorie counters instead of caregiving themselves with kindness.

Why Diet Culture and Menopause Don’t Mix Well

Diet culture is everywhere, constantly whispering that thinner equals healthier, happier, better. But menopause doesn’t care about your salad choices or gym hours—the hormonal symphony it conducts is complex and often unpredictable. When treatment targets weight above all else, it risks sidelining crucial aspects like mental health, hormonal balance, and reproductive goals.

This is especially important to remember for those on alternative parenthood journeys. Menopause or perimenopause can bring unique challenges, and focusing purely on weight can cloud the path to conception or fertility treatments with unnecessary guilt or self-judgment.

So, What Should We Focus On Instead?

If diet culture is the villain, what’s the hero? Holistic care that treats menopause as the multifaceted life phase it is:

  • Emotional well-being: Recognize mood changes and seek support—not punishment.
  • Hormonal health: Work with professionals to understand your body’s shifts, not just the number on the scale.
  • Nutrition for nourishment: Eat to feel energized and balanced, not just to shrink a dress size.
  • Reproductive goals: Tailor fertility or conception plans with realistic expectations and gentle patience.

It’s about reclaiming agency—moving away from “fixing” body changes to celebrating resilience and new beginnings.

The Role of Innovative Solutions in Alternative Parenthood

Speaking of new beginnings, if your journey to parenthood is taking the road less traveled, you might be exploring alternatives like at-home insemination. Companies like MakeAMom are pioneering ways to empower individuals and couples with user-friendly, reusable insemination kits designed to fit a variety of needs—from low motility sperm to sensitivities like vaginismus.

This kind of innovation is a breath of fresh air compared to the rigid weight-centric approach to menopause. It embraces choice, adaptability, and emotional comfort—three things often lost when wellness is reduced to diet talk.

Breaking the Cycle: How to Talk About Menopause Differently

If you find yourself or loved ones caught in the endless loop of menopause treatment and diet advice, try flipping the script:

  • Ask, “How are you feeling emotionally?” before, “Have you lost weight?”
  • Celebrate small victories in energy, mood, or sleep rather than pounds shed.
  • Advocate for care that respects your whole self, not just your waistline.

Final Thoughts: Could We Be Better Allies in This Journey?

The takeaway? Menopause is a complex chapter of life, and treating it solely as a diet problem does a disservice to millions. It’s time to push back against the culture of shame and restriction, embracing a message of support, compassion, and science-backed solutions.

For those pursuing parenthood through alternative methods, remember: your worth isn't measured by a scale and your journey is uniquely yours. Sometimes, the best support comes from tools and communities that honor your experience—including innovative products like those from MakeAMom.

Curious to explore how these home insemination kits might complement your path or want to dive deeper into supportive resources that respect your whole health? Check out their thoughtfully designed options and resources that might just change the way you think about conception.

And hey, what do you think? Have you felt the pressure of menopause and diet culture collide? How have you navigated these waters? Share your thoughts below and let’s rewrite the narrative together.

References: - Kazdin, Cole. “Why Does Menopause Treatment Always Include a Diet?” TIME, 2023. Read the full article here.