Menopause changes more than your periods. It changes your energy, your sleep, your stress levels and, often, your weight. If you have stepped on the scales and wondered who this body belongs to, this book is for you. Written with compassion and honesty, it unpacks the biology behind midlife weight gain, explains why belly fat is not simply about willpower, and shows how to work with your body instead of against it. You will learn why oestrogen matters, how insulin and stress hormones reshape appetite and fat storage, and why muscle becomes your most powerful ally. There are no crash diets, no punishing exercise plans and no promises of impossible perfection. Instead, you get practical guidance on food, movement, sleep and self-compassion, plus clear advice about medical support, including HRT, so you can make informed choices with your doctor. This is a companion for a phase of life, not a battle plan. Part of The Menopause Companion Library.