Changes in body
fat distribution

The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally. Weight gain is a major health concern for women aged 55-65 years.¹

What do we have in common?
We all go our own way.

During menopause, hormonal changes are associated with alterations to a woman’s body fat distribution, rather than an absolute increase in weight.²

The body fat distribution changes from a gynoid pattern to an android pattern. This is affected by a decline in estrogen levels and a relative increase in the androgen-to-estrogen ratio.³

Postmenopausal women have increased central abdominal fat and resultant higher waist circumference. This may correlate to an increased cardiovascular disease risk and dyslipidaemia.²

Weight gain does occur at midlife, but is a result of age and environmental factors rather than the menopause per se.^1,2 A decrease in physical activity is also reported in some menopausal women. Reduction of lean tissue mass can also result in a decrease in the resting metabolic rate. In addition, dietary habits might also change during menopause. These factors result in positive energy balance and weight gain around the time of the menopause.³

Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular complications (e.g. coronary heart disease, stroke and myocardial infarction), musculoskeletal disorders (e.g. osteoarthritis) and also certain type of cancers (e.g. endometrial and breast cancers).¹

Obesity can lead to adverse psychosocial consequences, affecting a woman's mood, self-esteem, physical ability and social functioning. Obesity can have a negative impact on the overall quality of life.¹

Weight loss is advised in obese menopausal women as it is beneficial for the reduction of visceral adiposity and the associated health risk factors. Weight gain during midlife can be managed with behavioural strategies such as counselling the woman regarding dietary habits and importance of regular physical exercise. However, menopause weight loss should be undertaken with caution as it may exacerbate the reduction in lean body mass in menopausal women. In addition, weight loss can cause reduction of bone mineral density in menopausal women who can be at an increased risk for osteoporosis.¹

Weight management and preventing weight gain is important to the overall care of postmenopausal women. This is primarily achieved through promoting a healthy diet and exercise. Contrary to widespread belief, menopausal hormone therapy is not associated with weight gain and may ameliorate some of the increases in central abdominal fat of perimenopausal women.²