The unfortunate truth is that when many women hit the menopause they put on weight more easily, especially around their midriffs. Suddenly, trying to control or remove this excess fat is much more difficult. Often it is in the perimenopause that fluctuations in weight start developing, an increase of one pound per year is not uncommon.

During this point in time the normal areas of fat deposition seem to transfer from your hips and thighs to your abdomen.

Reasons for this increase in weight abound. In general you require less calories as you age, your body having stopped growth, now just requiring maintenance nutrients.

Weight gain has been seen to potentially lead to serious health problems like cholesterol build-up, increased blood pressure and insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart attacks and strokes, or maybe breast cancer. Weight loss, even if small, really can reduce the risk of such ailments and so is very important.

A subscription to a local gym will definitely help. Try to increase the time you spend doing physical actions you enjoy, e.g. gardening or going for a walk. Increase this basic small level of exercise slowly but surely, at the right pace. Eventually you should find yourself in the midst of a full on work out burning loads of calories every day.

What is also important is that you should try to eat less calories than you can burn, every day. Limit fat to 25-30% of your daily energy intake. As you progress into your 40's on average you will require 200 less calories per day. Eating only when you are hungry is a very useful tactic.

Being able to plan what you eat more sensibly whilst still offering your self a variety of choices is key here. At the very least you must ensure you are consuming the minimum quantity of nutrients (fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals) required to be healthy.

The great thing about a well thought out exercise program is that is has a far wider list of benefits (e.g. increased fitness, self esteem and bone strength) than simply the loss of excess pounds.

When seeking to create a weight loss plan use a realistic program, one that you believe you can follow continuously. Try to ensure support is available to help keep you focused. This can take the form of encouragement from friends and family, nutritionists or gym instructors, amongst other less obvious but nevertheless influential factors.

If possible, start a weight control program as early as possible, you'll be healthier and leaner for longer.