Many women notice that weight gain during menopause tends to appear around the midsection. Often referred to as the “menopause belly,” this change is influenced by several factors including hormonal shifts, changes in metabolism, increased stress levels and alterations in how the body regulates blood sugar.

As oestrogen levels decline, fat tends to accumulate around the abdomen rather than the hips and thighs. At the same time, elevated cortisol levels, insulin resistance, and a gradual slowing of metabolism can make maintaining a healthy weight more challenging.

For many women, natural supplements can help support the body during this transition. Certain botanicals, adaptogens, amino acids, and essential nutrients have been studied for their potential to support metabolism, hormonal balance, stress management, and energy levels.

The ingredients in MenoBelly® have been carefully selected to target these areas, providing a single supplement designed to support metabolism, balance hormones, and promote midsection wellbeing during menopause.

Ashwagandha Root (KSM-66®)

Ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogenic herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to help the body adapt to stress. The patented extract KSM-66® is one of the most researched forms of ashwagandha.

Research suggests that ashwagandha may help support healthy cortisol levels. Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone,” and elevated levels have been associated with increased fat storage, particularly around the abdominal area.

Studies have also explored the relationship between stress, cortisol and eating behaviours. Research indicates that ashwagandha supplementation may help reduce perceived stress and support healthier eating patterns by helping the body manage stress more effectively.

By supporting the body’s stress response, ashwagandha may help promote overall wellbeing and healthier metabolic balance.

Green Tea Extract (Decaffeinated – Greenselect®)

Green tea extract contains powerful plant compounds known as polyphenols, particularly catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

These compounds have been widely studied for their potential role in metabolism and fat oxidation. In a controlled human study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, green tea extract significantly increased 24-hour energy expenditure and fat oxidation compared with placebo.

Greenselect® is a concentrated form of green tea extract designed to provide high levels of beneficial catechin polyphenols while being naturally low in caffeine, making it suitable for those who prefer a decaffeinated option.

L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is an amino acid involved in the production of important neurotransmitters including dopamine and norepinephrine.

These brain chemicals play a role in the body’s response to stress and can influence mood, focus and motivation. Supporting healthy neurotransmitter production may help the body manage stress more effectively.

Because stress can contribute to elevated cortisol levels and stress-related eating behaviours, nutrients that support the stress response may indirectly support healthy weight management.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in cellular energy production.

Research suggests that alpha-lipoic acid may support healthy glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. When the body regulates blood sugar more effectively, it may be less likely to store excess energy as fat.

Supporting healthy blood sugar balance is particularly important during menopause, when metabolic changes can make weight management more challenging.

Hop Extract

Hop extract contains plant compounds known as phytoestrogens. These compounds can interact with oestrogen receptors in the body.

During menopause, declining oestrogen levels can influence several physiological processes, including metabolism and fat distribution. Some research suggests that compounds found in hops may help support hormonal balance during this transition.

Because hormonal changes influence where fat is stored in the body, supporting hormonal balance may play a role in overall wellbeing during menopause.

Chromium

Chromium is an essential trace mineral involved in how the body processes carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

It contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and helps maintain normal blood glucose levels. Supporting healthy blood sugar balance can be particularly important during menopause, when hormonal changes may influence metabolism and energy regulation.

Balanced blood sugar may help support stable energy levels and reduce energy crashes that can sometimes lead to cravings or overeating.

Supporting Nutrients for Metabolism and Energy

In addition to these key ingredients, several essential nutrients help support metabolic health and energy production these include:

Magnesium plays a role in hundreds of biochemical processes in the body, including energy production, muscle function and the body’s stress response.

Cinnamon has been studied for its potential role in supporting healthy blood sugar balance and metabolic health.

B-vitamins, including vitamin B3, B5 and B6, are essential for converting food into energy and supporting normal metabolic processes. They also play important roles in supporting the nervous system and helping the body respond to physical and mental stress.

Together, these nutrients help support energy production, metabolic balance and overall wellbeing.

Supporting the Body During Menopause

Weight gain during menopause is influenced by a complex combination of hormonal changes, stress levels, metabolism and blood sugar regulation. For this reason, a multi-targeted approach that supports several of these areas at once may be beneficial.

Botanicals, adaptogens, amino acids and essential nutrients that support cortisol balance, metabolism, hormonal health and energy production may help support overall wellbeing during the menopausal transition.

In addition to supporting weight management, many of these nutrients also play important roles in supporting long-term metabolic health and maintaining healthy energy levels.

Nutritional support may also be helpful for women who are transitioning away from weight-loss medications and are looking for natural ways to help maintain healthy metabolism and energy balance.

Alongside a balanced diet, regular exercise, quality sleep and effective stress management, targeted nutritional support may help women feel more balanced and energised during this stage of life.

References

1. Dulloo AG et al. Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-hour energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10584049/
2. Choudhary D et al. Investigating the impact of Ashwagandha on stress-induced eating behaviours.
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37739694/
3. Kucukgoncu S et al. Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation and weight loss: results from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26616187/
4. European Food Safety Authority. Scientific opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to chromium and normal macronutrient metabolism.
   https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1732

You May Also Find These Blogs Helpful

• What Causes MenoBelly
• Cortisol: The Missing Piece of the Menopause Weight Gain Puzzle
• 5 Best Ways to Get Rid of Menopausal Belly Fat

Interested in supporting menopause weight management naturally?
Explore how MenoBelly® combines these carefully selected ingredients into one convenient formula designed to support metabolism, energy and hormonal balance during menopause.