Weight Gain in Women at Midlife: A Concise Review of the Pathophysiology and Strategies for Management

Weight gain accompanied by an increased tendency for central fat distribution is common among women in midlife. These changes are a result of aging, decreasing estrogen levels after menopause, and other unique influences in menopausal women that interfere with the adoption of healthy lifestyle measures. Central obesity, in particular, results in several adverse metabolic consequences, including dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Given that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in postmenopausal women, the importance of weight management in midlife cannot be overemphasized.
Source: Mayo Clinic Proceedings - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Concise review for clinicians Source Type: research