12/11/2025
Let’s Talk about the ‘Menobelly’...
Recently I have had quite a few conversations with clients and friends about how our bodies have changed and that the so called Menobelly seems to be quite a stubborn one.
Let's start by saying that the “Menobelly” is real and has a lot to do with what is happening inside and not just with what you are eating.
Before you carry on reading, please remember I am not medically trained but have done quite a bit of research as well as Menopause studies over the last years. What I am posting here is what I believe to be true.
- As oestrogen levels drop during peri-menopause, your body naturally starts to store more fat around the middle rather than the hips or thighs.
- Up to 70%f women experience increased abdominal fat during their peri-and postmenopausal years
- Cortisol (your stress hormone) can add to the mix, when you are constantly on the go, your body holds on to belly fat as a form of protection.
- Muscle loss also slows metabolism, making it easier for weight to shift and stay put.
But please remember, this is not your fault, it is, at least for most of us, part of ageing and we do know that through balanced nutrition, strength training, quality rest and stress management, we can support our body to feel rebalanced.
I know that as I have definitely put on weight around the middle and at times feel not just frustrated about this but emotionally a bit down. At those times I need to remind myself that:
- We don’t need to get our old bodies back
- We are not failing, it's a new phase in our lives
- Midlife is time to nurture our body and mind, not to punish either of them.
I hope this makes sense to you. Please get in touch if you feel you need to discuss this topic in more detail or if you feel really low about it. x
