Lisa Snowdon’s Menopause Journey: Weight Gain, Fasting, and Finding Acceptance

Lisa Snowdon has candidly shared her experience with perimenopause and menopause, including unexpected weight gain and the strategies she’s used to navigate this transitional phase of life. The model and TV presenter, now 54, first noticed changes in her body in her mid-40s, realizing her favorite skirt no longer fit comfortably.

Discovering the Changes

Snowdon recounted discovering the weight gain after looking through photos taken by her partner, George, during a trip to Japan in April 2017. She didn’t recognize the changes in her body shape. “A week later, I was in Paris and realised that my leather skirt, which was usually a nice, normal (if short) length, was like a belt,” she told the Daily Mail Online. A subsequent weigh-in confirmed her suspicions, leaving her “astonished at the number” on the scales.

Hormonal Shifts and Lifestyle Factors

While acknowledging the role of hormonal changes during perimenopause, Snowdon as well recognized the impact of lifestyle factors. She admitted to consuming a lot of coffee, alcohol, and white rice. This prompted a “little talk with myself” and a commitment to making healthier choices.

Fasting and Dietary Adjustments

Snowdon adopted a time-restricted eating approach, consuming her last meal before 6 pm and opting for “something light such as lean protein and vegetables” for the following 12 hours. This strategy created a “calorie deficit” and allowed her body a break from constant digestion. She prioritizes protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, fish, and beans, recognizing their importance for muscle building and bone health.

Gut Health and Overall Wellness

Snowdon also emphasizes the importance of gut health, stating it is “massively essential to me.” She focuses on incorporating foods that support a healthy gut microbiome.

Acceptance and Body Positivity

Snowdon has successfully lost most of the weight gained during menopause but has also embraced the natural changes that approach with aging. “I’m a bit bigger than I was in my 20s, and that’s fine and totally normal,” she stated. She now focuses on metrics beyond weight, such as BMI, body fat percentage, water levels, and visceral fat.

Considering Weight-Loss Medications

Snowdon has considered the potential role of GLP-1 drugs, acknowledging the promising research surrounding their effectiveness, particularly for women experiencing perimenopause. “Would I ever use a weight-loss jab if I was really struggling?” she mused. “I’ve seen some amazing research into them and how they’re helping people, especially perimenopausal women. So never say never.”

Understanding Menopause

Menopause is a natural biological process marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It occurs when a woman hasn’t had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. The transition to menopause, known as perimenopause, can begin several years earlier and is characterized by fluctuating hormone levels, primarily estrogen. The NHS states the average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur between 45 and 55.

Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause can cause a wide range of symptoms, varying in intensity and duration from woman to woman. Common symptoms include:

• Hot flushes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Night sweats
• Mood changes
• Vaginal dryness
• Changes in libido
• Cognitive changes (e.g., brain fog, memory problems)

Managing Menopause Symptoms

Various strategies can support manage menopause symptoms, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and alternative therapies. A holistic approach that addresses both physical and emotional well-being is often most effective.