Why Does My Waist Keep Getting Bigger?

Why do women's waist thicken in their 40's

During a woman's 40s, several factors can contribute to an increase in waist size or thickening. Here are a few reasons:

1. Hormone changes: Women undergo various hormonal changes as they age, especially during perimenopause and menopause. These changes can result in a redistribution of body fat, with more fat accumulating around the waist area. As estrogen levels decrease, this leads to increased fat storage in the abdominal region. AKA thickening of the waist.

2. Decrease muscle mass: As women age, they tend to experience a natural decline in muscle mass. As a result of less muscle mass the body's ability to burn calories decreases, resulting in weight gain and increased fat deposition around the waist. What is often overlooked is that muscle is the organ of longevity. Muscle is an endocrine organ. Muscle produces myokines (small protein molecules) as the result of exercise and allows for crosstalk between the muscle and various organs including the brain, fat issue, bone, liver, gut pancreas and so much more.

3. Lifestyle factors: Poor dietary choices like the Standard American Diet (SAD) sedentary lifestyle, and lack of physical activity can contribute to weight gain and an increase in waist size. These lifestyle factors have become more prevalent as individuals age and can contribute to a thickening waistline.

4. Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to carry excess weight around the waist. This becomes more apparent as women age, leading to a thickening waistline in their 40s.

It's important to note that these factors may affect individuals differently, and not all women will experience a significant thickening of the waist in their 40s. HOW DO YOU FIX THIS? Lifestyle choices:

A real food diet free or minimal processed foods to include animal products (anything that swims, crawls, runs or walks) fruits, vegetables, raw nuts, raw seeds and maintaining a balanced diet,

Physical activity than includes moderate strength training and short bursts of cardio exercise.

Adequate sleep is important for blood sugar regulation and building muscle which contribute to a lean and svelte waist.

Minimize stress and manage it appropriate. Stress has been the deal breaker for fat loss and this can include relationships at home work, toxic food, toxic cleaning products and excess cardio. When the body is in a stressed state it will hold on to fat as a mechanism for survival. It stores fat as potential energy until the stress is gone.

Always consult with a qualified professional that is trained in lifestyle and/or functional medicine for optimal results.