Also interesting are "Wheatbelly" and "Why We Get Fat: And What To Do About It."

I'm not menopausal yet (48), but I do have a front pooch. Doing Pure Barre and watching carbs and sugar have helped tremendously (I was already eating very clean, so finding areas to cut back was not easy).

I dropped 5 lbs. quickly but the final 5 are being stubborn.

I have no trouble with hips, legs, side torso, the problem is relatively small but all in the center belly, as you describe. My mom has always had a center-belly pooch, too, which does not bode well for me.

I want to add some pilates and walking.

I figure the muffin top is where my 1.5" in height that I lost went :).

How do you know if you are in early stages of menopause. Irregular periods?
I have regular periods, but I think I might be nearing menopause as I feel emotionally a bit whacked out (anxious, sad, crying easily).

Muffin top: I always had it. I eat, so I cannot attribute it to menopause.

Just a quick reminder that if you want to discuss specific diets in relation to menopause, please do that privately. Thanks!

I know that alcohol can contribute to fat in the middle after menopause. My SIL is a runner and she works out in the gym, too. She is in fantastic shape, except her midsection. She has a couple of drinks every single night, something she isn't willing to give up.

Food sensitivities plays a role, too.