Circadian rhythms impact our health through the timing of meals. Research has shown that insulin sensitivity, or the body’s ability to efficiently use insulin to manage blood sugar levels, is highest in the morning and gradually decreases throughout the day. This means that eating during the first half of the day is better for managing blood sugar and supporting weight loss.

When Black women enter perimenopause and menopause, they face unique health challenges that are often misunderstood or dismissed by the medical community. Research shows that Black women may experience more severe symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, depression, and anxiety, compared to white women . Yet, studies reflect that Black women are less likely to be offered hormone replacement therapy or other treatments that could improve their quality of life during this phase.

Perimenopause can take some women by surprise. Inundated with half-truths that simply don’t serve them, ladies in their 40’s and 50’s tend to complain of unpleasant symptoms such as weight gain and wonder if it’s related to “hormones.” While hormone imbalance is associated with weight gain in select individuals, that’s often an oversimplified explanation.