This is the classic time of year when everyone is looking for sound information on how to either lose weight or keep from gaining more. We each have our own resolutions and I am no exception. I am 48 years old and weight control is getting more and more difficult for me despite the fact that I am quite active. I now understand what all of my slightly older friends have been saying: It is hard to not gain weight as you go through menopause. I know I will gain some weight; I just don't want to gain too much, too fast!

There is a study that was published in this month's American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that provides some helpful information. The investigators followed almost 5,000 women for fifteen years. They found that the women who walked the most regularly over the fifteen-year period of time gained the least weight. And the more the women walked, the less they gained over time.

I love to walk! This study gives me new hope that I can transition through menopause with minimal weight gain as a result. I encourage all of you to fit in as much walking -- for fitness, leisure and commuting -- into your weekly routine. The extra energy expenditure will help us all stay healthy.

If you'd like to learn more, please read the editorial I wrote about the study.