Menopause

A weight-neutral, eating-disorder-informed approach

Menopause is a significant life transition that can affect physical health, mood, energy, sleep, and a person’s relationship with their body. In my work, I often meet people who feel unprepared for the changes they’re experiencing and frustrated by advice that focuses on weight control rather than wellbeing.

I approach menopause as a normal and meaningful stage of life, not a problem to be fixed. My focus is on supporting health, strength, and quality of life without dieting, restriction, or pressure to change body size.

Menopause and health — what we know

Menopause involves hormonal changes that can influence:

  • Energy levels and fatigue

  • Sleep quality

  • Mood and emotional wellbeing

  • Appetite and hunger cues

  • Bone health

  • Cardiometabolic health for some people

It’s also common for people to notice changes in body shape or weight distribution during this time. Research shows that body weight is not a reliable indicator of health, and that repeated dieting can worsen both physical health and psychological wellbeing, particularly during midlife.

Many people are navigating menopause alongside work stress, caring responsibilities, health changes, and long histories of dieting or body dissatisfaction. All of these factors matter when considering nutrition and self-care.

Common menopause-related concerns I support

I work with people who are experiencing:

  • Fatigue or low energy

  • Changes in appetite or eating patterns

  • Sleep disruption

  • Mood changes

  • Concerns about bone health

  • Cardiometabolic risk factors

  • Body image distress or frustration with body changes

  • Disordered eating patterns that may re-emerge or intensify during this life stage

For some, menopause brings relief; for others, it brings loss, grief, or a sense of unfamiliarity with their body. There is no “right” way to experience this transition.

A non-diet approach to menopause care

Because restrictive diets and weight-loss-focused plans can:

  • Increase stress on the body

  • Undermine bone and muscle health

  • Worsen food preoccupation or disordered eating

  • Reduce enjoyment and quality of life

I do not prescribe weight loss as a strategy for managing menopause.

Instead, menopause-related nutrition care in my practice may focus on:

  • Regular, adequate nourishment

  • Supporting muscle and bone health

  • Gentle attention to protein, fibre, and key nutrients

  • Eating patterns that support energy and blood-glucose stability

  • Working with appetite changes using flexibility and self-compassion

Any strategies we use are individualised, practical, and designed to be sustainable, rather than perfect.

Menopause, dieting, and eating-disorder risk

Menopause can be a time when:

  • Old dieting behaviours resurface

  • Body dissatisfaction increases

  • Control around food feels tempting in response to change

For people with a history of disordered eating, menopause can be particularly challenging.

For this reason, all menopause-related work in my practice is eating-disorder-informed. I prioritise psychological safety, nourishment, and a calm relationship with food, and I am careful to avoid advice that reinforces food fear or body shame.

How we work together

Menopause-related nutrition support may include:

  • A thorough assessment of symptoms, eating patterns, and daily routines

  • Clear, non-judgemental education about what is changing and why

  • Nutrition strategies to support bone, muscle, and metabolic health

  • Practical support for fatigue, appetite changes, and sleep

  • Collaboration with your GP or other health professionals where appropriate

The focus is always on supporting health and wellbeing — not controlling weight.

Is this the right fit?

This approach to menopause may suit you if:

  • You want support without pressure to lose weight

  • You are tired of conflicting or body-focused advice

  • You value evidence-based, compassionate care

  • You want strategies that support quality of life

It may not be the right fit if you are seeking:

  • Weight-loss-centred menopause programs

  • Highly restrictive eating plans

  • Quick-fix or appearance-focused solutions

Menopause is not a failure of your body — it is a transition. My approach to menopause care is grounded in respect, nourishment, and long-term wellbeing, rather than weight control.

Menopause support is offered within my broader Services, alongside weight-neutral care for eating concerns, PCOS, gut health, and chronic conditions.