According to research Hormonal changes and weight gain may continue to occur as women leave perimenopause and enter menopause.

One predictor of weight gain may be the age at which menopause occurs.

A study of over 1,900 women found that those who entered menopause earlier than the average age of 51 had less body fat.

Additionally, there are several other factors that may contribute to weight gain after menopause.

Postmenopausal women are generally less active than when they were younger, which reduces energy expenditure and leads to a loss of muscle mass.

Menopausal women also frequently have higher fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance, which drive weight gain and increase heart disease risk.

Although its use is controversial, hormone replacement therapy has shown effectiveness in reducing belly fat and improving insulin sensitivity during and after menopause.

Keep in mind that the averages found in studies do not apply to all women. This varies between individuals.