Effectiveness of an Individualized Comprehensive Weight Management Program in Perimenopausal Women: An Open-label...

Weight management is essential during menopause to manage symptoms, prevent metabolic diseases, and enhance quality of life. Intensive lifestyle interventions can be helpful for comprehensive weight loss. This study assessed the efficacy of such an intervention during menopausal transition.

A total of 160 perimenopausal women were randomized to the intervention (n = 80) and the control arm (n = 80). The intervention arm consisted of a combination of hypocaloric, low-fat, high-protein, and high-fiber diet, along with physical activity, psychological support, and behavioral modification techniques, while standard care was provided for the control arm.

After a follow-up of 6 months, 134 participants were retained for the analysis. Participants showed notable reductions in a median change in weight, body mass index, waist circumference (P < 0.01), waist-to-hip ratio (P < 0.05) and fat percentage (P < 0.01), along with improved blood pressure. Favorable changes were also seen in biochemical markers such as median change in glycated hemoglobin, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), total cholesterol, and triglycerides (P < 0.01); and VLDL (P < 0.05). Dietary habits shifted toward lower energy and fat intake (P < 0.01), with increased moderate-intensity and leisure activities (P < 0.05) and improved depression and anxiety scores (P < 0.01). Across intervention arm, 42.5% of the participants achieved significant weight loss (>5% of the baseline weight) while only 2.5% in the control arm.

The intensive lifestyle intervention effectively improved weight, metabolic markers, and psychological well-being among perimenopausal women, emphasizing its significance for comprehensive health management in this demographic.