Lifestyle interventions in later reproductive age women to offset cardiometabolic and bone disease: a scoping review

Non-communicable chronic disease is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality with potentially modifiable lifestyle factors. In women, the menopausal transition modifies women's risk of chronic disease, and pregnancy-related complications have been highlighted as female-specific risk factors. Later reproductive years, before onset of menopause, may represent a window of opportunity for promotion of lifestyle modifications. The aim of this scoping review is to investigate which interventions promoting lifestyle modifications in women of later reproductive years may influence cardiometabolic and bone disease.

A search of three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL) in the English language was performed in January 2024. Eligible studies included women aged 40-55 participating in interventions focusing on lifestyle modification. Studies reporting outcomes related to cardiometabolic disease, bone disease or body composition were eligible for inclusion.

Improvements in body composition occurred following interventions focusing on aerobic physical activity. Interventions focusing on health promotion and education, incorporating both dietary and physical activity modifications, prevented weight gain and improved cardiometabolic outcomes. Interventions incorporating elements of behavioural theories enhanced patient-motivated lifestyle modifications, with effects on body composition and cardiometabolic outcomes.

Lifestyle modifications in later reproductive years have the potential to influence cardiometabolic and bone disease. Our findings reinforce the benefits of regular aerobic physical activity, as well as health education, for improving body composition and lipid profile. This information could contribute to the development of clinical guidelines for the prevention of chronic disease.