Question: I have been gaining weight and can't seem to lose it, even though I eat a healthy diet and exercise. (I'm a woman, have gone through menopause). What can I do?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:

As we age our metabolism does slow, and whether you realize it or not, our activity usually has slightly slowed creating a net loss of muscle mass. This is enough to upset the balance of calories in and calories out so a net weight gain can occur over several months, as the very metabolically active muscle is lost to the less metabolically active and bulky tissue called fat.

Your weight gain may be tied to underlying conditions that are genetically determined that become more commonly seen as we age, such as hypothyroidism and Type 2 diabetes. Menopause has little to contribute to your weight gain, though a net muscle loss is probably a factor.

Remember that fat tissue contributes little to calorie burn. Increasing your muscle tissue is your solution. Muscle tissue is a voracious consumer of calories and significantly contributes to calorie burning.

You should try to work harder to build and maintain muscle, by exercising more often. See your doctor to decide what type of exercise is best for you and what else needs to be done to increase your body's muscle mass and lose weight.