lose weight

You're not over the hill yet, but the extra belly fat you've gained in the last few years is making it awfully tough to climb to the top. Even if you haven't gained pounds, your waist may be gaining inches. You've probably already heard it's better to be a "pear" than an "apple". Belly fat is a risk factor in Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Why is it so easy to gain weight in mid-life, so hard to lose it, and what can you do about it? As we age, our metabolism naturally slows, due to several reasons. During menopause and post-menopause, lower estrogen levels can cause a decrease in your metabolism, as well as change where you store body fat. The extra weight may start settling around your stomach and abs, rather than your hips and thighs, where it used to hang out. You may find that without realizing it, you have become less active and gained more stress. You suffer poor sleep on a regular basis, with insomn...