Dear Dr. Roach: I鈥檓 a woman and will be 59 in a month. I鈥檓 in excellent health. I鈥檝e worked out seriously with weight-bearing exercises for nearly 30 years. I have great muscle tone, and I believe I am height/weight proportional (5 feet, 2 inches tall, weigh 130 pounds).
Is it inevitable that women gain weight as they age? Is it possible to maintain weight past menopause? I have slowly gained five pounds in the past year, and I鈥檝e developed a little bulge under my navel. I鈥檝e increased my cardio workout to lose weight, while continuing my weight-lifting regimen. I seem to be getting results slowly but surely. But that bulge is still there. Should I just learn to live with it?
D.H.
Many women would be very envious of your good health and even your current weight and waistline numbers. However, in your case, it is healthiest to continue at the same weight you have been all your life. Also, abdominal fat is the most metabolically active fat, and the one most likely to increase your risk of heart disease.
It鈥檚 not inevitable that you鈥檒l gain weight. Both men and women tend to slow down a bit metabolically as we age. Unless exercise increases or food intake decreases, you are at risk for weight gain. Highly processed, starchy foods may increase your risk of weight gain.
Slow but sure results definitely are best, so keep at it and don鈥檛 get frustrated.
听
Dear Dr. Roach: What can you tell me about prurigo nodularis? Is there a cure?
N.R.
鈥淧rurigo鈥� is from the Latin word for 鈥渋tching,鈥� and so prurigo nodularis is a chronic skin condition of itchy nodules, most commonly on the outsides of the arms and legs. The itching can be quite severe.
Because prurigo nodularis sometimes is associated with systemic medical disease, the dermatologist normally will look for kidney and liver problems and chronic infections.
Unfortunately, there is not a cure. Most people get relief from steroids, and ointments tend to be more powerful than the cream form. Placing a bandage on top further increases effectiveness. Injection of steroids can be done by an expert, usually a dermatologist.
ToYourGoodHealth @med.cornell.edu
