They say that a woman’s “midlife” experience can be a time to enjoy the newfound freedoms that come with being an empty nester or it can be a stressful time filled with regret because of unfulfilled dreams and worries about changes in her body and metabolism. Perpetuating the cycle of the situation is the fact that stress often makes it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
When a woman reaches the mid point of her life, she begins to question her identity and this is often exacerbated by her children leaving home (empty nest syndrome) and her own parents are aging and are demanding more of her time and attention. Many things are in flux, and women may find themselves questioning decisions they’ve made in the past and are frustrated because of unfulfilled goals. Oftentimes emotional issues suppressed for years may surface making things even more tumultuous.
Studies are being undertaken on the effects of chronic emotional stress and how this type of stress contributes to age related weight gain in mid-life women. On a positive note however, is the fact that maintaining regular physical activity will prevent help prevent weight gain.
I found some great tips on Weight Watcher’s website about fighting the battle of the bulge for women in mid-life. One great article I found can be reviewed here.
While I know that maintaining a routine exercise regime will help, I am finding it excruciatingly difficult to juggle my job, family, classes, and a workout schedule. If only there were 28 hours in each day . . .
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