Monthly Archives: April 2009

Ten Reasons Why Americans Are Overweight

The latest John Hopkins “health alert” reminds us of a study not too long ago that highlighted ten alternative reasons why most adults in this country are overweight. They go beyond calorie counting and less exercise and they may apply to you.  Here they are:

1. Less sleep - we’ve gone from an average of nine to seven hours of sleep a night. Sleep deprivation is linked to a more robust appetite.
2. Pesticides and other chemicals in foods- These substances can change hormonal activity, which can boost body fat.
3. Air conditioning and heating – we don’t sweat and shiver as much as our ancestors, so we don’t burn as many calories. … [Read more]

A Doctor’s Advice for Banishing Brown Spots

Dr. Brandith Irwin is a Seattle-Based dermatologist and the author of  The Surgery-Free Makeover: All You Need to Know for Great Skin and a Younger Face.  I recommend it to anyone who is concerned about skin changes that occur during the menopause transition.  Dr. Irwin’s book does a good job explaining the reason for these changes (dryness, wrinkles, etc.) and what, if anything you can do about them.

Of particular interest to me was her chapter on brown spots and age spots.  A cluster of them have formed a big dipper constellation on one of my hands and I asked her if there was anything I could do to make them vanish.  Since I know I’m not the only 50-something woman who has contemplated wearing gloves to keep my hands pretty (or is it too late?), I’ll share her advice here.  Dr. Irwin’s own website has lots of information that you’ll find helpful too. … [Read more]

A New Study Explains the Connection Between Insomnia and Weight Gain

The connection between insomnia and weight gain, both common complaints of mid-life women, has been well established, but a new study by UCLA researchers has revealed why.

The culprits are two hormones; ghrelin, often referred to as the “hunger hormone” because it stimulates appetite and increases before meals; and leptin, which tells the body when it is hungry and when it is full.  Sleep loss apparently leads to increased ghrelin and decreased leptin -  a “double-whammy” that stimulates appetite.

By the way, a year ago I wrote about a Canadian research study that concluded that too much sleep can cause weight gain.  I guess you just have to figure out how much shut-eye is right for you.

A New Non-Hormonal Treatment for Hot Flashes? Not So Fast…

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Online Tools That Can Help You Fight Menopausal Weight Gain

Ever since I read that people who keep a food diary tend to be more successful at weight loss, I began carrying around a small notebook noting my caloric intake along with estimates of fat and protein content.  But I recently discovered a number of online resources and tools that can make it easier to stick to a diet and fitness plan.  Here are some links to a few websites that I recommend: … [Read more]

Weight Gain and Menopause: A Poem

Jennifer Boire (aka Ms. Menopause) has written a wonderful poem on Weight Gain and Menopause on her blog.  She’s put into words what we all notice and think about as our bodies change with age, and she’s done it with humor and honesty. I love it!