Women who enter menopausal period may witness a number of symptoms, both physical as well as emotional. One such physical symptom associated with menopause is weight gain. In fact it is almost an integral part of menopause. In fact Menopausal weight gain is very hard to deal with for many women because it not only adds a few extra pounds to their bodies but also greatly affects them mentally.

The intensity of menopause weight gain differs from person to person. But it is estimated that almost 90 percent of women who enter menopausal transition experience some sort of weight gain. It is generally seen that women gain 10 to 15 pounds during their menopausal years. But menopause weight gain is not rapid and comes gradually with time.

As menopause sets in several changes in a woman’s body occurs the weight gain which women experience in menopause is particularly concentrated around the abdominal area and not in thighs or hips .Again it is very hard to battle this weight gain or to shed those extra pounds. You may exercise like before and may maintain a strict diet and still may gain weight .This is so because this weight gain is the result of fluctuation in the hormone level in your body and as such with exercise and diet it can hardly be controlled. This is really frustrating for a large number of women and greatly affects their self esteem when they see their earlier physical shape disappearing and becoming rounder.

Another factor which is also very much responsible in menopause weight gain is stress. Stress is very much associated with menopause and thus contributes in gaining weight. Stress, depression and other psychological problems are very much a part of menopausal woman’s psyche and they contribute greatly in her weight gain.