Obesity and weight management at menopause

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Metabolic Health
• Weight Management

Background:

• Menopause is frequently associated with weight gain in women.
• While modest weight gain is common and manageable, overweight and obese women often experience more significant weight accumulation.
• This weight gain is particularly pronounced as women approach menopause.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the underlying causes of menopausal weight gain.
• To present a structured approach for achieving and maintaining substantial weight reduction during and after menopause.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of factors contributing to menopausal weight gain.
• Description of dietary and lifestyle interventions for weight management.
• Discussion of pharmacotherapy options for appetite suppression.

Main Results:

• Reduced spontaneous physical activity is a primary driver of menopausal weight gain.
• Lifestyle adjustments (dietary control, increased physical activity) are effective for lean women.
• Overweight and obese women benefit from very low-energy diets for initial rapid weight loss.

Conclusions:

• Menopausal weight gain is primarily attributed to decreased spontaneous activity.
• Preventive strategies for lean women involve energy intake control and enhanced physical activity.
• Sustainable weight loss for overweight/obese women requires very low-energy diets followed by lifelong behavioral modification, potentially with pharmacotherapy.