Q. I've noticed a sudden increase in belly fat since entering menopause; is this different from regular weight gain?
This is caused by a drop in basal metabolic rate due to hormonal changes. Instead of simple calorie restriction, treatment focusing on restoring metabolic function is necessary.
📝 Detailed Answer
The feeling of your abdomen suddenly protruding is a common concern among many women during this stage. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the efficiency of fat metabolism drops significantly. Attempting to lose weight through forced fasting often leads to a state of exhaustion and lethargy without actually reducing fat mass.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this condition is viewed as Dam-jeok (phlegm accumulation), where waste products build up due to deficient Qi and Blood, or Bi-heo (Spleen deficiency), which refers to a decline in the body's digestive and absorptive capabilities. The goal is not simply to 'eat less,' but to restart the body's internal 'engine.'
- Hormonal imbalance → Lowered basal metabolic rate → Accumulation of Eo-hyeol (blood stasis) and metabolic waste
- Decreased energy production capacity → Easy fatigue → Vicious cycle of reduced physical activity
- Autonomic nerve dysfunction → Sleep disturbances and difficulty regulating appetite
💡 Treatment Goal
The focus is not on simple weight loss, but on boosting the diminished metabolism to create a physical state capable of burning energy efficiently on its own.
Therefore, the first step in menopausal weight management is to identify the constitutional imbalances of your current body. Rather than using extreme methods, I recommend normalizing your metabolism through personalized prescriptions tailored to your specific body type.
Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director