Vidya Malavade opens up about ‘oestrogen belly’ at 53: What women should know

At 53 years old, actor Vidya Malavade has shared her experiences with the physical changes she's faced over the past two years, specifically the "oestrogen belly" that has developed steadily. In a candid Instagram post, the "Chak De! India" star admitted to struggling with accepting her changing body, despite it being entirely natural with no medical intervention.

The 53-year-old shared that maintaining her abs has been a challenge, even after running on just three hours of sleep daily due to late-night shoots and exhaustion. Dr. Gandhali Deorukhkar, an obstetrician and gynecologist, explained that the term "oestrogen belly" is popular on social media but not an official medical diagnosis.

She clarified that hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause, can lead to fat accumulation around the abdomen even without changes in diet or exercise.

Dr. Deorukhkar emphasized that factors like aging, reduced muscle mass, stress, poor sleep, genetics, and lifestyle also contribute to this phenomenon. While sleep deprivation and chronic stress can influence fat storage, especially around the waist, exercise alone cannot entirely counteract these effects. Regularly getting only three to four hours of sleep can raise stress hormones like cortisol, which may lead to abdominal fat storage, increase cravings for calorie-dense foods, and negatively impact insulin sensitivity.

The expert advised that while women may notice an increase in abdominal fat despite a healthy lifestyle, it's generally a normal part of hormonal changes in the late 30s and 40s. However, if the change is rapid and accompanied by irregular periods, unexplained weight gain, fatigue, or other symptoms, seeking medical advice is recommended. Persistent central obesity can increase the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease over time.

Dr. Deorukhkar stressed that the healthiest approach is to focus on long-term well-being rather than pursuing a specific body shape. She recommended strength training, regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in protein, adequate sleep, and stress management as more effective strategies than restrictive diets or quick fixes often found online. She also highlighted the importance of accepting natural body changes with age while prioritizing overall health, as aiming for unrealistic expectations is less sustainable.