The Missing Link in Menopause Weight Gain: Blood Glucose

By Cecilia Basbus, MD, Certified Health Coach Founder, CB Health & Wellness Center

Hot flashes. Mood swings. Belly fat that seems impossible to lose. For millions of women in perimenopause and menopause, these changes feel frustrating, confusing—and often out of their control.

But what if one major contributor is hiding in plain sight?

It’s blood sugar. And thanks to Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), we can finally see how it’s impacting our hormones, metabolism, and weight—in real time.

Understanding the Blood Sugar–Hormone Connection

During perimenopause and menopause, levels of estrogen and progesterone decline, disrupting the body’s ability to manage glucose and insulin effectively.

This hormonal shift can lead to:

• Increased insulin resistance

• More frequent glucose spikes and crashes

• Greater fat storage (especially around the abdomen)

• Poor sleep and fatigue, which worsen cravings

Even women with “normal” labs can experience silent blood sugar dysregulation—and it’s often the root cause behind stubborn weight gain and energy dips.

How Glucose Spikes Fuel Menopausal Weight Gain

When glucose levels rise rapidly after meals, your body produces a surge of insulin to bring them back down. Over time, this can:

• Lead to fat storage, especially visceral fat

• Increase cravings for sugar and carbs

• Disrupt cortisol, worsening stress and belly fat

• Impact sleep quality, which is already vulnerable during menopause

And the worst part? You may not even realize it’s happening.

That’s where CGMs (Continuous Glucose Monitors) come in.

What Is a CGM—and Why Is It So Useful?

A CGM is a small sensor worn on the skin that tracks your blood sugar levels 24/7. You can finally see:

• Which foods spike your blood sugar

• How stress or poor sleep impacts your metabolism

• How long it takes you to return to normal after a meal

• Whether you’re spending more time in fat-burning or fat-storing zones

This isn’t about avoiding all carbs—it’s about finding balance and learning what works for your body.

🔬 What the Research Says

• A 2021 study published in The Lancet Digital Health showed that CGM use improves dietary choices and metabolic outcomes, even in non-diabetic individuals.

• Research in Menopause (2020) found that women in perimenopause experienced higher post-meal glucose spikes compared to premenopausal women, due to hormonal fluctuations.

• Another study in Nutrients (2022) linked stable glucose control with easier weight loss and reduced central fat in midlife women.

Why Health Coaching + CGM Is the Winning Combo

At CB Health & Wellness, we use CGM as part of our Vital Reset Menopause Coaching Program to help women: 

✅ Decode their glucose patterns 

✅ Balance blood sugar through plant-forward, nutrient-dense meals 

✅ Reduce cravings, belly fat, and fatigue 

✅ Improve sleep, mood, and energy 

✅ Take control of their weight—without restrictive dieting

With 1:1 support from a certified health coach, clients learn how to interpret the data and make meaningful lifestyle changes that last.

Real Client Example

“I gained 15 pounds during perimenopause despite eating ‘healthy.’ Once I saw my CGM data, I realized my breakfast smoothie was spiking me—and I was crashing mid-morning. With Cecilia’s help, I made simple adjustments. Now I’m losing weight again, sleeping better, and finally feel like myself.” — Coaching Client, 49

The Bottom Line

If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and struggling with weight, energy, or hormonal chaos—your blood sugar may be the key.

And the best part? You don’t have to guess. With the right tools and guidance, you can finally understand what your body needs—and how to support it.

Ready to Feel Like You Again?

We combine CGM technology with personalized health coaching to help women in perimenopause and menopause lose weight, balance hormones, and thrive.

📅 Book your free consultation to get started. Let’s build your roadmap to a healthier, lighter, more energized you.