As estrogen starts to decline during menopause, your body doesn’t just store fat differently, it relocates it. You might notice fat moving from your hips and thighs to your belly. That’s something I call the shifting sands, and it’s not just a cosmetic issue. This type of fat is called visceral adipose tissue, and it raises your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Why does this happen? Estrogen drops, insulin rises, cortisol goes up, and your metabolism shifts. But you’re not stuck with it. You can work against it. Lift weights to build and protect muscle. Prioritize protein at every meal. And protect your sleep, because sleep helps regulate both cortisol and insulin. These are the levers you can control to support your body during this transition. #estrogen #fat #thevirgindiet #insulin #belly #menopause