Abstract
Epidemiological studies showed an association between menopause, weight gain and risk factors that identify the metabolic syndrome (MS). We evaluated body composition and metabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women addressed to a center for the assessment of nutritional status to lose weight by hypocaloric balanced diet. 161 postmenopausal women were enrolled. MS diagnosis was made applying IDF (International Diabetes Foundation) criteria. After the prescription of hypocaloric diet all subjects were controlled every 2 months. In patients suffering from MS (MS+) at the first visit, diagnosis of MS was reassessed when 10% weight loss was achieved. 70 women were MS+. Years since menopause, low instruction level, obesity and Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) were each associated with MS. Particularly, BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m2 (OR: 2.61; 95% CI, 1.76 - 3.46) and VAT > 6.6 cm (OR: 3.49; 95% CI, 2.52 - 4.46) resulted independent risk factors. The 30% of the whole sample dropped out, the reminders significantly reduced weight, waist circumference (Wc) and Fat Mass (p 0.01). The 35% of MS+ women achieved the 10% weight loss with significant reduction of VAT, Wc, fasting glucose, tryglicerides, blood pressure and resolution of MS in the 78% of them. The 43.5% of postmenopausal women addressed in one center for the assessment of nutritional status to follow a weight-loss nutritional program had the MS; visceral obesity was the strongest independent risk factor and hypocaloric balanced diet resulted a good strategy to lose weight and treat MS.
Highlights
Menopause is one of the critical periods of a woman’s life during which weight gain is favored [1] and obesity prevalence is the highest across lifespan [2,3,4].Epidemiological data suggest that weight gain during the menopausal transition is due to aging, decreased leisure-time physical activity, and hormonal changes [1,5]
We reported data extracted from an observational study carried out on postmenopausal women that spontaneously underwent a structured weight loss program in one center for the assessment of nutritional status
We focused our attention on body composition and metabolic risk factors and on effects of a hypocaloric balanced diet on the improvement of nutritional status and on management of metabolic syndrome (MS)
Summary
Epidemiological data suggest that weight gain during the menopausal transition is due to aging, decreased leisure-time physical activity, and hormonal changes [1,5]. Aging and reduced physical activity were associated to a gradual decrease of FFM (Fat-Free Mass) with consequent reduction on RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) and increased body fat [6]. There is increasing evidence that weight gain and in particular visceral obesity are predictors of metabolic alterations including insulin resistance, glucose intoler-. Ance, lipid disorders and high blood pressure [8]. This cluster of risk factors identifies the metabolic syndrome (MS)
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