Ever noticed how the moment a woman hits perimenopause, suddenly everyone becomes a nutritionist? It’s like clockwork — the first sign of menopause is often weight gain, and then the diet culture brigade swoops in like it’s a national emergency.
In a recent eye-opening essay by Cole Kazdin, titled Why Does Menopause Treatment Always Include a Diet?, the author brilliantly unpacks why weight gain is treated as the headline symptom to “fix” during perimenopause. Spoiler alert: It’s way more complicated – and way more damaging – than just counting calories.
The Weight Gain Obsession: More than Skin Deep
Weight gain during menopause isn’t just about how you look. It’s a biological reality influenced by shifting hormones, metabolism changes, and even how your body stores fat differently. Yet, the medical and wellness worlds largely funnel women toward diet-centric “solutions” as if a magic kale smoothie will solve everything.
And here’s the kicker: This fixation on dieting at menopause can actually worsen mental health outcomes. Anxiety, shame, and disordered eating creep in, turning what should be a natural life phase into a battleground of frustration and self-criticism.
So, what’s a woman to do when the world shouts “diet!” but her body screams for compassion and balance?
Rethinking Menopause Health: Beyond the Scale
First things first: accept that weight gain is one piece of the perimenopausal puzzle—not the whole picture. Instead of obsessing over pounds, consider these life-changing pivots:
- Nourish your body, don’t punish it. Shift the focus from restriction to fueling yourself with whole, satisfying foods that support energy and well-being.
- Move joyfully. Forget grueling gym sessions and find physical activities that make you smile — dance, walk, stretch, or even garden.
- Prioritize mental health. Menopause can rock your mood; mindfulness, therapy, or support groups can be game-changers.
- Tune into your body's unique needs. Hormones fluctuate wildly — so does your appetite, sleep, and stress levels. Honor those changes.
How This Connects to Fertility and Family Planning
Even if menopause might feel light-years away for some, this mindset shift resonates deeply with anyone navigating fertility or trying to conceive later in life. The emotional rollercoaster of fertility journeys often mirrors the vulnerability of menopause transitions: a need for kindness over judgment, information over fear.
That’s why companies like MakeAMom do more than just offer at-home insemination kits. They empower people with accessible, supportive options that respect your body and your journey—no pressure, no gimmicks, just tools designed with you in mind.
Their kits, whether it’s the CryoBaby for frozen sperm, the Impregnator for low motility, or the BabyMaker for sensitive users, prioritize comfort and success without the sterile intimidation of a clinic. Plus, with a 67% success rate, they’re a beacon of hope for many.
The Diet Culture Trap is Real — But You Can Escape It
Menopause isn’t a diet program disguised in hormone fluctuations. It’s a life phase deserving of respect, education, and holistic care. When society insists you ‘fix’ your weight first, remember: your worth and health are not measured in pounds.
We’ve seen too many women sidelined by misinformation and harmful diet mentalities. So next time you feel pressured to “just lose weight” during menopause, ask yourself — is this advice supporting my whole self or just a number on a scale?
Ready to Take Control? Here’s Your Game Plan
What’s your biggest frustration or revelation when it comes to menopause and diet culture? Drop a comment below — let’s break the silence, share our stories, and empower each other beyond the scale.
Because at the end of the day, your health journey should be as unique and radiant as you are.