Understanding weight gain at menopause

Davis, S.R., Castelo-Branco, C., Chedraui, P., Lumsden, M.A. , Nappi, R.E., Shah, D. and Villaseca, P. (2012) Understanding weight gain at menopause. Climacteric, 15(5), pp. 419-429. (doi: 10.3109/13697137.2012.707385)

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Abstract

Objective: The aim of this review was to summarize the literature regarding the impact of the menopause transition on body weight and body composition. Methods: We conducted a search of the literature using Medline (Ovid, 1946–present) and PubMed (1966–2012) for English-language studies that included the following search terms: ‘menopause’, ‘midlife’, ‘hormone therapy’ or ‘estrogen’ combined with ‘obesity’, ‘body weight’ or ‘body composition’. Results: Whereas weight gain per se cannot be attributed to the menopause transition, the change in the hormonal milieu at menopause is associated with an increase in total body fat and an increase in abdominal fat. Weight excess at midlife is not only associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, but also impacts adversely on health-related quality of life and sexual function. Animal and human studies indicate that this tendency towards central abdominal fat accumulation is ameliorated by estrogen therapy. Studies mostly indicate a reduction in overall fat mass with estrogen and estrogen–progestin therapy, improved insulin sensitivity and a lower rate of development of type 2 diabetes. Conclusion: The hormonal changes across the perimenopause substantially contribute to increased abdominal obesity which leads to additional physical and psychological morbidity. There is strong evidence that estrogen therapy may partly prevent this menopause-related change in body composition and the associated metabolic sequelae. However, further studies are required to identify the women most likely to gain metabolic benefit from menopausal hormone therapy in order to develop evidence-based clinical recommendations.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Lumsden, Professor Mary
Authors: Davis, S.R., Castelo-Branco, C., Chedraui, P., Lumsden, M.A., Nappi, R.E., Shah, D., and Villaseca, P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Climacteric
Publisher:Informa Healthcare
ISSN:1369-7137
ISSN (Online):1473-0804
Published Online:01 January 2012

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