Why belly fat rises after 50

Actor Vidya Malavade recently shared that she has been dealing with what she called an “estrogen belly” over the past two years, while continuing to work hard to maintain her fitness despite running on very little sleep and working night shoots. Her post sparked a conversation about the body changes many women experience in their 50s. Dr. Gandhali Deorukhkar, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, explained that “estrogen belly” is not a medical diagnosis, but hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can contribute to increased abdominal fat, along with factors such as ageing, reduced muscle mass, stress, poor sleep, genetics, and lifestyle. She noted that chronic sleep deprivation and stress can increase cortisol levels, affect metabolism, and make it harder to manage belly fat even in women who exercise regularly. While a gradual increase in abdominal fat can be a normal part of ageing, women should seek medical advice if it is sudden or accompanied by symptoms such as irregular periods, unexplained weight gain, or fatigue. The healthiest approach, she said, is to focus on strength training, regular physical activity, adequate protein intake, good sleep, stress management, and accepting natural body changes rather than chasing unrealistic ideals.