Key points
During perimenopause and menopause, body shape and fat distribution can change. Ageing, hormonal changes, sleep and physical activity all play a part together.
These changes deserve to be taken seriously. Solutions can be offered according to your symptoms, your health and your priorities.
Why does the body change?
The menopausal transition promotes fat building up around the abdomen. At the same time, getting older can be accompanied by a decrease in muscle mass and energy expenditure.
Hot flushes, disturbed sleep, pain or tiredness can also make daily life and physical activity more difficult.
Not everything is necessarily due to the menopause
Rapid or unusual weight gain should not automatically be put down to hormones. The consultation is an opportunity to review how it has developed, your treatments and any associated symptoms.
The assessment also covers blood pressure, metabolic health and body composition as needed.
Preserving muscle and the enjoyment of movement
Muscle strengthening, regular activity and a suitable diet play an important role.
This is not about eating less and less or doing exhausting exercise. We work with you to find adjustments that fit your pace of life and your abilities.
Sleep and menopausal symptoms are also part of your care, in coordination with your gynaecologist or your GP.
What is the role of hormone therapy?
Hormone therapy may be offered for some menopausal symptoms, after an individual assessment. It is not a treatment intended for weight loss.
When obesity requires specific treatment, nutritional, medication or surgical options are discussed according to the same principles of personalisation and follow-up.
At the Centre
We review your situation with you, without playing down the difficulties you face. The aim is to improve your health and comfort, in coordination with the professionals who support you.
Medical review of the French version: Dr Pierre Fournier
Scientific sources and references
Sources accessed on 15 October 2026.
- British Menopause Society. BMS Tool for Clinicians: Menopause, nutrition and weight gain. Reviewed September 2026. View source
- The Menopause Society. Midlife Weight Gain (MenoNote), 2025. View source
- The Menopause Society. Menopause Topics: Hormone Therapy. Updated 29 July 2026. View source
- Author
- Prepared for the Centre from the sources cited
- References
- See “Scientific sources and references” on this page