Ever notice how menopause advice almost always swings back to dieting? It’s like you blink, and suddenly the first symptom of perimenopause you hear about is weight gain — and the equally loud soundtrack is “You better fix this ASAP!” But why, in 2025, are we still trapped in this dieting loop that often feels more like a guilt trip than genuine help? Let’s unpack the latest insights from a compelling piece in TIME, “Why Does Menopause Treatment Always Include a Diet?” by Cole Kazdin, and have a no-BS chat about what this means for real women navigating this life stage.
The Weight Gain Wedge: Is Diet Always the Answer?
Kazdin lays it out bluntly: Weight gain during perimenopause is not just biological — it’s cultural, emotional, and deeply tied to how society views women’s bodies. The instant assumption that you need a diet is a reflection of diet culture’s stranglehold on healthcare and self-image. Spoiler alert: This can fuel anxiety, stress, and even eating disorders at a vulnerable time that should be focused on well-being.
But here’s the kicker—if the body is going through a hormonal rollercoaster, why is the first recommendation often about restriction rather than support? Is it any surprise women feel like they’re “failing” despite doing everything right?
Reframing Wellness: Beyond the Scale
We’ve got to flip the script from “fix your weight” to “nourish your body.” Menopause is complex, and weight is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Instead of hammering away at dieting, what if we looked at holistic approaches that honor mental health, hormonal health, and yes, fertility goals — however those may be defined?
This is where the conversation gets really meaningful for people trying to conceive later in life or facing fertility challenges due to hormone changes. At-home insemination kits like those from MakeAMom’s BabyMaker offer a compassionate alternative to clinical fertility treatments — combining science, privacy, and empowerment. It’s all about control and comfort in the face of a process that can otherwise feel invasive and clinical.
The Emotional Toll: When Diet Messages Collide with Fertility Dreams
Imagine juggling the emotional rollercoaster of menopause symptoms, while also navigating fertility options. The pressure to lose weight can be overwhelming, especially when your body feels like it’s working against you. Kazdin’s essay reminds us that diet culture is not just a side note; it’s a monster lurking in the background, undermining confidence and self-worth.
So, what can we do? First, acknowledge the feelings — frustration, anger, confusion. Then, seek out resources and communities that get it. That’s what Nestful is here for: to provide support for people all across the fertility spectrum, whether you’re trying IVF, exploring adoption, or making empowered choices with at-home insemination kits tailored to your unique needs.
Your Body, Your Rules: Empowerment Over Shame
It’s 2025, and we deserve menopause treatment that respects the full person, not just a number on a scale. Instead of another diet plan, how about:
- Prioritizing nourishing, enjoyable food—eat for energy and joy, not just weight.
- Listening to your body’s signals without judgment.
- Exploring gentle movement that feels good, rather than punishing workouts.
- Seeking fertility solutions that fit your lifestyle, like discreet, reusable kits from companies that understand your privacy and comfort needs.
The truth is, menopause and fertility journeys don’t have to be intertwined with diet shame. They can be filled with compassion, informed choices, and community support.
So, What’s Next?
Next time you hear someone say, “Have you tried dieting for menopause?” pause and question it. Your worth isn’t a reflection of your weight. Your health is multifaceted. And your route to parenthood or wellness doesn’t have to come wrapped in stigma.
If you’re curious about alternatives that put you in the driver’s seat—like the thoughtfully designed options from MakeAMom—check out their home insemination solutions that help you take charge with comfort and confidence.
Let’s open the conversation: How have societal expectations about diet impacted your menopause or fertility journey? Share your story below — because real talk heals.
Original inspiration: Why Does Menopause Treatment Always Include a Diet? (TIME)