Study Shows Menopause Does Not Result In Weight Gain Overall - It Increases Belly Fat Specifically

Dr. Enrique Jacome

Menopause does not result in weight gain among women, however, hormonal adjustments are linked to a difference in fat distribution, which increases belly fat, according to a recent study that has been released by the International Menopause Society in light of the upcoming World Menopause Day on October 18th.

The new trial, published in Climacteric, is a comprehensive, scientifically based report on weight gain when a woman reaches menopause. 

Many women are bothered by the thought of gaining weight, and during middle-age years they begin to gain around 0.5kg or 1lb every year. Weight gain is of concern not only because women do not like to look overweight; it is associated with a several chronic diseases and conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other medical conditions. 

Approximately 1.5 billion adults are overweight worldwide - 300 million of them are obese females. Since 1980, obesity rates have increased two-fold, mostly in industrialized nations. Experts say the obesity epidemic is caused by lifestyle changes, physical inactivity, and eating habits. A higher percentage of females are obese than males; probably because women are more susceptible to hormonal imbalances.

Experts examined findings regarding weight gain during menopause and discovered that surprisingly, increase in weight is due to non-hormonal factors, rather than the actual menopause.

The researchers found that the way fat is deposited during the menopause changes significantly; this is the main reason for rising obesity rates among women in this age group. Regardless of whether women gain weight when they hit middle-age years, they do undergo a change in the way fat accumulates in their bellies. 

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