Women typically gain weight during perimenopause and postmenopause, and around 43% of those ages 40 to 59 in the U.S. are obese; millions more are overweight.

Theories as to why this happens range from poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle before menopause to age-related changes in muscle mass and hormone-related emotional distress.

While all of those things may play a part in menopause-related weight gain, the cause could be more straightforward. You may simply be hungrier more often.

Menopause-related hormone fluctuations impact blood sugar and cause changes in the regulation of and sensitivity to the "hunger hormone” ghrelin, as well as leptin and insulin. That fuels cravings and increases hunger.

As a result, visceral fat around the waist may pile up, increasing your risk for metabolic, cardiovascular, and cognitive problems.

What can you do to combat this urge to splurge?

To lower ghrelin levels, the Cleveland Clinic suggests you stick to a diet of whole grains and lean proteins (try the Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets), ditch processed foods, sleep seven to eight hours nightly, stay hydrated, and manage stress. (Stress boosts levels of ghrelin.)

The same approach raises leptin levels, easing hunger, while it tamps down inflammation and reduces insulin resistance.

And hormone therapy — when taken with a daily baby aspirin and initiated before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause — offers a safe solution to the many symptoms of menopause, including increased hunger and sleep problems.