Help!

[coccinelle]

I've never been one to be overweight; at 5'5'' I'm only a size 10 on bottom and size 12 on top but over the past few months I'm putting weight on my stomach (not tummy) it's quite flat on a morning but as soon as I eat anything my stomach is embarrassing. OK I'm 47 but why all of a sudden? Is this just due to age or what can i do? Hope someone can help...

[Velvetee]

Have you reached the Menopause yet? One of the symptoms of being Menopausal is gaining excess weight around the abdomen, which is difficult, if not impossible to shift.

[sara3]

how depressing!

I thought I could stay like this forever!

[Ice.Maiden]

Some people do, coccinelle. My mum had quite a few babies, but retains her shapely figure to this day, and she's in her 60's now.
I think that if we don't keep fit, as we age, we tend to do less exercise, so the intake of food's not being burnt off. I think Velvetee'll admit that if you eat healthily, do exercises for your abs and generally keep active, the chances are that you'll not make too much of a significant weight gain.

[Rosetta]

Are you having any problems with your digestion?

[cazzz1975]

digestive disorders can cause bloating of this kind

[coccinelle]

No digestive problems that I've noticed but maybe I've become allergic to something.
Yes Velvetee menopause is just around the corner but I was hoping I could do something about it.
I can no longer wear a clingy top which makes me feel frumpy.

[Velvetee]

If you don't already, perhaps take up regular exercise, both Cardiovascular and resistance. All weightbearing exercise will help against Osteoporosis, which can be symptomatic of the Menopause.

Perhaps you may need to tweak your diet a bit and cut down on saturated fats and sugar.

[Scarlett]

Try doing a detox where you cut out wheat, dairy and processed foods. Wheat and salt can both cause bloating and water retention.

[coccinelle]

That's the problem, I have a healthy diet which has kept me slim enough for years; meat only twice a week, fish four times and eggs or vegetarian the other. I eat lots of veg and hardly ever eat sweet things bar a couple of squares of dark chocolate. It must be an exercise thing so will have to get out more I think; it's just that I haven't changed anything but this stomach has popped up from nowhere...
Thank you for all your help, hope I manage to sort it out.