Fueled and Free

S4 E18: Why You’re Gaining Weight in Perimenopause

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You’ve probably noticed that it’s harder to lose weight in perimenopause. You may be feeling ‘fluffy’, and your clothes aren’t fitting as well. Weight gain feels inevitable, and unfortunately, what you did in your 20s or early 30s to combat this just won’t cut it anymore.

While it’s true that your metabolism and body composition changes as you age, there are plenty of factors to take into consideration.

I’m diving into WHY you’re gaining weight in perimenopause, and practical solutions to help you work through this. Major hormonal shifts with progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone greatly impact your metabolism, sleep, and overall energy.

Your lifestyle also plays a crucial role during perimenopause. More than ever, you’ve got to be mindful of your nutrition + exercise. These mundane, ‘unsexy’ things done consistently are what’s going to support you AND actually move the needle in this season of life!

If you’re struggling with symptoms of hormonal imbalance, weight gain and more, I invite you to learn more about our brand NEW 1:1 program, 90 Day Powerful Peri Protocol. We would love to provide you with strategic, tailored support during perimenopause, and get you to a place of feeling healthy, strong, and confident again!

Episode Recap:

• The biological component with women and fat storage + the role stress plays {4:17}
• Hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause {6:22}
• ‘Cortisol belly’ + other impacts of cortisol dysregulation on the body {10:09}
• What’s behind your metabolism ‘‘slowing down’ as you age {13:44}
• Why muscle loss can happen during perimenopause {18:41}
• How inflammation negatively affects muscle health + the rate of muscle loss {20:33}
• Why it IS more difficult to maintain a healthier lifestyle during perimenopause {21:49}
• The #1 thing you need to incorporate if you’re struggling with your weight or body composition {29:23}
• Cleaning up your diet + paying closer attention to your nutrition {36:32}
• Using gut testing to check for low stomach acid, pathogens & more {38:19} 
• Getting on a consistent + personalized supplement routine {39:30}
• Hormone replacement therapy recs {40:58}

Links & References:

• Join the 90 Day 1:1 Program, Powerful Peri Protocol HERE 
• Ep. 57 | 2025 Wellness Trends, Longevity, Peptides + GLP 1’s, Red Light Therapy, Infrared Sauna, and Hormone Replacement Therapy / HRT
• Ep. 23 | Estrogen Dominance & the Link to PMS Symptoms, Weight Gain & Gut Issues, Root Causes + Where to Start to Fix It
• Ep. 59 | Are you in Perimenopause? Are You Prepared for What’s to Come? What’s ACTUALLY Happening with Your Hormones in Your Mid/Late 30s and 40s
• Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell and @fueledandfreenutrition
• Learn more about working with our team by visiting our website
• Send us an email at fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

More About the Fueled & Free Podcast:

Hosted by Margaret Powell, a Holistic Nutritionist, The Fueled & Free Podcast is a women’s health podcast that helps you cut through the noise of the wellness world, ditch diet culture & reclaim your metabolism.

Informative and relatable wisdom + guidance for the everyday woman, we cover topics on nutrition, hormones, gut health, thyroid health, nervous system regulation tools, motherhood, and more. New episodes release every Wednesday! Connect with Margaret on Instagram @margaretannpowell or email fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com. To learn more about working with Margaret, head to https://fueledandfree.com.

Lots of Love,