If you’ve been struggling with menopause belly fat or perimenopause weight gain, despite eating well and exercising, you’re not alone. Hormone changes affect your metabolism, muscle mass, stress hormones, and even your gut health, making it much harder to lose weight the way you used to. The good news is there are science-backed ways to work with your body instead of against it.
This episode is part of Tamsen’s series breaking down the biggest topics from her New York Times bestselling book, How to Menopause, one conversation at a time. This week, it’s belly fat.
Tamsen shares what finally worked after interviewing leading experts in menopause, nutrition, endocrinology, and longevity, and why the answer isn’t eating less or doing more cardio.
Inside the episode:
– Why estrogen changes where your body stores fat
– The protein and fiber goals that support muscle and metabolism
– Why strength training beats more cardio in midlife
– How cortisol, sleep, and chronic stress keep belly fat hanging around
– The connection between gut health, inflammation, and weight gain
– Why drinking less alcohol made such a noticeable difference
– The five habits that helped Tamsen feel stronger, healthier, and more confident
If you’re tired of doing everything “right” and still not seeing results, this episode will help you understand why your body changed and what to do next.
If you liked this conversation, check out the rest of the How To Menopause series:
Estrogen Down There 101:
Testosterone 101:
Relationships 101:
Perimenopause 101:
Alcohol 101:
Anxiety 101:
Progesterone 101:
Coming up: Mental Health, Estrogen 101 and more!
Get Tamsen’s recipe for her Hot Girl Menopause Smoothie here:
Get Tamsen’s free hormone therapy guide:
If you liked this episode, listen to Exhausted, Gaining Weight, and Feeling Off? THIS is Why:
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
3:53 The Protein and Fiber Goals That Help Burn Belly Fat
9:38 Why Strength Training Beats Cardio for Women Over 40
12:45 Stop Dieting Harder Because It Could Be Making Belly Fat Worse
16:43 The Gut Health Connection to Hormones, Bloating, and Belly Fat
19:04 How Alcohol Makes Menopause Belly Fat Harder to Lose
21:29 The 5 Habits That Actually Reduce Menopause Belly Fat
22:05 Why Building Strength Matters More Than Being Skinny
22:59 How to Feel Like Yourself Again
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Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show.
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ABOUT TAMSEN:
Tamsen is a journalist, NYT best-selling author, podcast host, filmmaker and menopause advocate. As host of The Tamsen Show Podcast, she’s become a powerful voice in the conversation about midlife. She is the creator and producer of The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause and The (M) Factor 2: Before The Pause, groundbreaking documentaries calling for change in how we approach women’s health.
Tamsen is also the author of the New York Times Bestseller How To Menopause, the ultimate guide to navigating midlife with confidence. From SXSW to Capitol Hill, Tamsen champions policies that break the stigma around menopause and empower women at work and beyond. After 30 years as a TV anchor, she now leads the charge in midlife health advocacy.
#bellyfat #podcast #womenshealth
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I also have odd cravings and I found its from low ferretin
Preach sister 61 agreed the most important thing was the mind set strength not a number on the scale 🙌
Thanks for this 💥💥
Walking 15- 30 minutes after a meal for 10 minutes directs the glucose which makes fat to your leg muscles instead of you tummy.
I am 59 & exercise alot but your advice makes sense. Its all about what you eat.
AMEN🙏
Thank you❤ just sent it to all my friends!!!🙏💪
What is substack and where do you access it?
Where do you get the information you talk about printing off?
Great advise! thank you so very much.
Show notes where
The bloating is debilitating.
Great info. Completely agree 🙂
OMG. The food aversions! I thought it was just me being weird! I haven’t been able to eat my beloved salmon in a long time.
I am 5 years sober and I did not lose any weight, I actually gained about 40lbs. Everyone says oh you must have started eating more. Nope. I am actually eating the same. It has been disappointing to say the least. Everyone is different but for me quitting drinking was necessary for my over all health not just weight loss. After 15 years of extremely heavy drinking I thought I would at least lose 10lbs. I wonder what happened to my body from the drinking as far as my metabolism.
I'm enjoying the simple advice that gets to the point. Very annoying tho the ad in the middle when I pay for no ads. Really puts me off listening more
Fiber is definitely an unsung hero. I'll admit I'm lazy, I rely heavily on benefiber and Metamucil.
YES! And this way, you're also no longer a target for endless advertising of whatever fad is supposed to "fix ageing" for you – because you can do all you need yourself, simply, in your everyday life.
Get to the point
Keeping cortisol levels in check is also key.
Sleep aversion–I wonder if that's your body saying that it's had enough of that food source and to use something else for a change.
Omg Tamsen where were you all my life ??? I love you and love your content 🥰❤️❤️❤️
It's impossible to have uneterrupted night sleep as menopausal women but somehow all these YT let you know you must sleep more, gee, another waste of time.
Thanks for this talk! It affirms what I have ALREADY put in place (protein, fiber, sleep, walking) and what I have recently started (weights). I'm starting to ease back on the wine as well–Spindrift's fruit juice infused sparkling water varieties help me have something else besides wine to break up the water intake.
Thank you for being so REAL about the things that matter for so many of us. 🙂
One of the best episodes ive heard on the topic, relatable and direct with no complicated science behind the facts. ty,
❤❤❤❤