Contrary to popular belief, with the advent of menopause, weight does not increase, although the waist size can noticeably change, the researchers report.
Scientists working at the International Menopause Society reviewed several studies that examined the effects of menopause on body weight. They found that if there were cases of weight gain, this was not due to hormonal factors, which means that menopause is not to blame.
However, scientists concluded that the loss of the female hormone estrogen leads to a change in the structure of adipose tissue, resulting in a redistribution of fat from the thighs to the abdominal cavity.
“Claiming that menopause is the cause of weight gain in women is a myth,” said lead researcher Susan Davis, professor at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. “In reality, this is just a consequence of aging and environmental factors.”
Previous studies have shown that in Western society, the weight of women after the age of 50 increases by an average of 0.5 kg per year. Weight gain is influenced by genetic and behavioral factors, especially a sedentary lifestyle and snacking with fatty and sugary foods.
Women who have entered menopause are advised by scientists to begin to control their weight before this becomes a problem, so if you did not take care of yourself before menopause, you should definitely start doing it with her arrival.
And this means that all women should be attentive to what they eat and lead a more active lifestyle.
