Thread by @amandathebex

how about we stop targeting women in menopause for their changing bodies.

this is just another example of wellness wankery, and diet culture wrapped up in a different bow.

fat distribution changes in menopause because of declining reproductive hormones.

most women will see their body change shape to hold more fat in their midsection.

this is a known.

but that also doesn't mean that we need to be the target of your "belly-fat challenge"

this is when wellness advice is shown to be privileged.

it is a myopic viewpoint of the "western white woman, who is no longer thin" and therefore needs to be fixed

and completely excludes cultural differences.

health and wellness comes in all different shapes and sizes (hello Olympians) and telling women "how" they should look in menopause misses theses nuances.

it is possible to hold fat in your belly area and still be healthy

hello Nonna in Italy, who is 95 years old running up the steep streets and stairs.

hello Peruvian mountain woman who is chasing horses at altitude.

both examples here are of women with a known shape that isn't inherently thin - but are examples of women who are healthy.

the point of this rambling is simple.

we do not need to be made to feel ashamed because of belly-fat.

not all belly-fat is bad.

healthy doesn't always mean thin - often it doesn't.

therefore, stop targeting vulnerable women in menopause for having these attributes.

so I am talking about doctors who hold these challenges or sell you supplements to rid yourself (whatever that insult means)

I am talking to wellness influencers telling you that sugar is toxic, exercise is raising your cortisol or carbs are spiking your insulin.

just stop it.

menopausal women are simply the new target for this sort of fear based marketing, that comes from a privileged viewpoint and simply doesn't look at the full picture of what it means to be healthy at this vital stage of life.