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Increase Activity to Decrease Weight Gain during Menopause

There's a simple way to decrease body fat during midlife: exercise and activity. These are the results of a study of Chinese and white peri- and post-menopausal women ages 47 to 57.

The increase in body fat around the middle is common with aging, not just with menopause. In this study lean mass, body fat, and central fat distribution were measured. Women in the SWAN study (Study of Women's Health Across the Nation) were included.

They found that in general, Chinese women had less lean mass, less fat mass, and smaller waists. They also exercised less than other ethnic groups. Body fat decreased with activity in both groups. In fact, the higher the level of activity, the less body fat was present. Waist size goes down in white women with activity at any level.

Increased body fat occurs in menopause at a time when women tend to be less active. The authors found that loss of lean mass occurs with aging. Menopause also occurs with aging so the overall body changes are greater during this phase of life. Increased central body fat and decreased lean body mass puts these women at increased risk for disability and death.

Future studies to find ways to help midlife women keep a balance of body fat and lean mass are needed. This study shows that physical activity, especially vigorous and intense exercise can help.

References: Barbara Sternfeld, PhD, et al. Menopause, Physical Activity, and Body Composition/Fat Distribution in Midlife Women. In Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. July 2005. Vol. 37. No. 7. Pp.1195-1202.

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