Welcome back to this week's episode of Menopause Conversations Podcast. This week's topic is metabolic syndrome, specifically insulin resistance, and its impact on menopause and weight gain.

Key messages:

· Metabolic syndrome is a medical condition that involves a group of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other health problems

· Insulin resistance is a form of metabolic syndrome that can develop over time and has symptoms such as high blood sugar levels, increased hunger, and difficulty losing weight

· Insulin is a hormone that helps the body take up glucose from food and store it in cells for energy

· When the cells are full, insulin stores the excess glucose as fat, primarily around the waist

· Insulin resistance occurs when the body continually puts glucose into the body through food, and insulin has to store it as fat after the cells are full

· Low-fat diets and artificial sweeteners can trigger insulin resistance and lead to weight gain

· Women who have PCOS have an imbalance in insulin resistance, making it a metabolic condition rather than a reproductive one

· During menopause, estrogen levels decline, which can reveal insulin resistance that was masked before

· To manage insulin resistance, one should consume more fibre, fat, and protein in their diet, along with adding more vegetables

Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome can be managed through diet and lifestyle changes. Eating more fibre, fat, and protein, along with adding more vegetables, can help improve gut health and manage insulin resistance

Thanks for tuning in to this week's episode of Menopause Conversations Podcast.