Ever noticed how weight gain during menopause becomes the ‘first villain’ everyone rushes to fix? You're not imagining things. Cole Kazdin’s illuminating essay in TIME, Why Does Menopause Treatment Always Include a Diet?, shines a bright, critical spotlight on this very phenomenon.

Let’s be honest: menopause is tricky enough without being told that your weight gain is some sort of personal failure. The societal whisper (sometimes more like a shout) is, “Fix the weight, fix yourself.” But what if that’s actually doing more harm than good?

Kazdin dives deep into how dieting during menopause can turn into a slippery slope toward disordered eating, body image issues, and a whole heap of emotional turmoil. And this isn’t just about fitting into your pre-menopause jeans. It’s about the gut-wrenching psychological impact that diet obsession creates, especially when layered on top of the hormonal chaos of perimenopause and menopause.

So, why is diet the default prescription?

  • Weight gain is the most visible and immediate symptom.
  • Cultural norms equate thinness with health and success.
  • Medical advice often underestimates the complex hormonal and emotional shifts happening.

But here’s the kicker: focusing solely on the scale can obscure other critical aspects of menopausal health, like emotional wellbeing and fertility options for those still dreaming of parenthood.

Speaking of which, if you’re on an alternative parenthood journey—maybe trying at-home insemination or other fertility solutions—these menopausal weight and emotional rollercoasters can feel like navigating a minefield. Stress, anxiety, and body image struggles can affect not just your mood but your fertility results too. That’s why a holistic approach is non-negotiable.

What does a healthier approach look like?

  1. Listen to your body, not the scale. Your worth is not measured in pounds.
  2. Focus on nutrient-rich, enjoyable foods that make you feel good inside and out.
  3. Prioritize sleep and stress management over strict dieting rules.
  4. Seek support that understands the emotional complexities of menopausal transitions.

And for those embracing alternative conception methods, there’s good news. Innovations like at-home insemination kits offer privacy, control, and a way to pursue parenthood on your own terms without adding clinic stress to the mix. Companies like MakeAMom have created tailored solutions — their BabyMaker kit, for instance, considers sensitivities like vaginismus, while still maintaining top-notch success rates.

These kits are reusable, cost-effective, discreet, and designed with the emotional wellbeing of users in mind — a perfect complement to a holistic mindset that values your health beyond just numbers on a scale.

Let’s circle back: What’s the takeaway?

Menopause is about your unique journey — not some cookie-cutter diet plan. Weight gain is a reality for many, but it shouldn’t be the sole target of treatment or your self-worth.

Instead, let’s shift the conversation to embrace emotional health, body positivity, and empower those on alternative parenthood paths with resources that respect their needs and challenges.

So, next time you hear “diet” as the knee-jerk treatment, ask: Is this really about health, or just another cultural script? Your body—and your dreams—deserve better.

What has your experience with menopause and diet culture been? Drop your story below and let’s start a real conversation. Because when it comes to health, it’s high time we look beyond the scale.