Dr Amir Khan's weight gain message to women - 'it's natural'

A doctor has explained why women tend to develop belly fat as they get older, describing it as a "normal" aspect of ageing. The expert said women can anticipate changes in their weight distribution as they grow older. In a clip from his podcast No Appointment Necessary, posted to his Instagram account, Dr Amir Khan offered some reassurance regarding weight fluctuations before and after the menopause. He described how fat is stored differently across the body as a result of this hormonal shift. Menopause is a natural life stage that usually occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55. It takes place when hormone levels in the body decline to a point where periods stop altogether. As a result of these hormonal changes, the body can go through a wide array of symptoms that can affect both physical and mental wellbeing. These include hot flushes, mood swings, and brain fog. Yet it can also influence how your body distributes fat. On the podcast, his co-host Cherry Healey said: "Lots of women find that when they go through perimenopause and menopause, they gain weight." Dr Amir responded: "So, before the menopause, fat distribution in women is usually around the hips, thighs, and buttock area. And that fat distribution is completely normal and healthy and women should have fat there, you don't want to lose it." He explained why. "It's really good for your fertility," he said. "It's really good for your overall health. It is expected and needed." However, following menopause, you may find yourself more susceptible to weight gain around the abdomen. Dr Amir continued: "After the menopause, as the hormones shift, things change. "And that fat usually deposits around the tummy area and the hips as well and so people can refer to it as a 'meno belly'. It's not really a great term but it is just the shift of weight, really." He added: "Normal, natural, not the end of the world, part of being a woman, an adult woman." His guidance aligns with the NHS website, which states: "Weight gain during perimenopause and menopause is common. "It often happens around the stomach and upper body." The other symptoms of menopause, as listed by the NHS, include: Changes to your periods Hot flushes and night sweats Sleep problems Mood changes, poor memory and brain fog Vaginal problems such as dryness, a burning feeling, irritation or itching in and around the vagina UTIs (urinary tract infections) A faster, slower or more noticeable heartbeat (palpitations) Weakening bones (loss of bone density), which can lead to osteoporosis Feeling the need to pee more or not being able to control when you pee (urinary incontinence) Headaches and migraines that are worse than usual Muscle aches and joint pains Hair thinning or hair loss Skin changes, including dry and itchy skin Reduced sex drive (loss of libido) Sensitive teeth, painful gums or other mouth problems The health body says you should contact your GP if: You think you have symptoms of menopause or perimenopause and want to know what your options are You have symptoms like a fast heartbeat (palpitations) You still have periods but your bleeding pattern has changed and you're bleeding more, not less, than before You have not had a period for 12 months or more, and you have any vaginal bleeding The most commonly prescribed treatment for menopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT).