Body image is the way we think of, feel about and picture our body. From childhood through adolescence and on to adulthood, body shape changes and sometimes so does our body image.  

Menopause

With perimenopause and menopause, there is often a shift in fat deposits from the lower to the central body. Negative body image may be a problem for some women going through menopause, particularly their distress at a perceived increase in weight. Symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes, can make women feel differently about their body image too. Often women report that they do not know their body anymore and are frustrated by the changes - "I used to know what to expect from my body, now it is like my body is not under my control". Other women decide that they have spent enough of their lives worrying about their body image and would rather focus on having a healthy body.

Emotional wellbeing and body image

There is no doubt that having a negative body image can influence mood, self esteem and sexuality. Further, society's negative views of ageing women can be very undermining. If body image is troubling you, and you feel that a negative view of your body interferes with your daily life, it would be helpful to seek some advice and support.

Weight and body image

Weight is known to increase with age, and midlife is often a time known for weight gain.
The risk of lifestyle related diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease increase with weight gain. Menopause is a great time in a woman’s life to think about ways to prevent weight gain and improve health. It is never too late to modify lifestyle and optimise health and wellbeing.

Further resources

Related articles

Healthy weight

Nutrition through life

Physical activity

External links

The Butterfly Foundation - supporting Australians with eating disorders

Content updated October 23, 2009