Weight gain isn’t uncommon during perimenopause, but experts say that diet, fitness, and lifestyle modifications can help you keep your weight in check and feeling your best.

Menopause is a transitional phase in a woman's life that can bring significant changes, including weight gain. But with a proactive and healthy approach, you can tackle these changes effectively.

All of the experts we spoke to recommended increasing your protein intake to combat perimenopausal weight gain. That's because protein helps support muscle mass, which can rev up your metabolism, Dr. Shepherd says. It also lowers the odds you’ll lose muscle mass, which can help to support bone health as you get older, Dr. Ali says.

Gaining weight during perimenopause is common. But is it preventable? Here's what doctors say: Follow their tips to avoid gaining—and start losing weight.