Dear Gillian

Many women that have never had fat around their mid-section find that this changes after menopause. Some women even experience a widening waist without gaining any weight. After menopause, body fat distribution tends to shift - less in the arms, legs and hips, and more in the abdomen. This can be due to a combination of heredity factors and hormonal changes, so it is more pronounced in some women than in others.

It sounds as if you already lead a very healthy lifestyle...so the change will have to come from somewhere else - I'd suggest accepting the new shape of your body, and continuing to take great care of yourself.

A while ago, I had an interesting experience that helped me to understand that this is a very real phenomena. I went shopping with my mother and a friend of hers - both in their 50s, me, 30.

We tried on the same pants. It looked great on them, and didn't fit me at all. The shop assistant laughed at my consternation and said: "This style is for us older ladies, it won't fit you. Not yet".

I hope that helps!

Kind regards,
Maya