Weight Loss and Diet Could Help Menopausal Symptoms

Menopausal women can suffer negative symptoms that can range from mild to severe. A recent online news article found that diet and weight loss can have a positive effect on the negative symptoms many women experience prior to, during, and after menopause. According to the article women who are in the process of menopause and lose weight by eating low-fat foods including fruits and vegetables are likely to reduce or completely eliminate hot flashes and night sweats according to a new large study. Researchers felt the need to look at other alternatives besides hormone replacement therapy for helping women to get relief from negative menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats. “We wanted to see if this could be an alternative to hormone therapy,” said lead researcher Candyce Kroenke, a research scientist at Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California Division of Research in Oakland. “Indeed, women who lost weight in the context of this healthier diet — decreasing fat, increasing whole grains, fruits and vegetables — were significantly more likely to reduce or eliminate symptoms,” she added. The reduction in hot flashes and night sweats which are the main complaints menopausal women have was evident in both overweight as well as normal weight women who lost weight. The reason women experience this was explained by the fact that fat tends to retain heat, and losing weight helps the body to get rid of the heat much easier. The report was published online in the July 11 issue of Menopause, the study included data from more than 17,000 participants in the Women’s Health initiative study. Dr. Stuart Kincaid often consults with menopausal women who are concerned with not only weight gain but also change in their body contour. Some patients see a thickness in the upper abdomen, above the bra line, and the outer thighs that was never present prior to menopause. For some of his patients they have not increased their weight substantially so it seems unexplained. Dr. Stuart Kincaid explains to patients that hormonal shifts in their body can cause fat deposits to settle in different areas. In these cases, Dr. Stuart Kincaid will typically recommend liposuction to treat the affected areas. Liposuction gives Dr. Stuart Kincaid the ability to treat areas by systematically removing small areas of fat and creating a much more toned and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stuart Kincaid if they are concerned with recent changes in their body contour. Dr. Stuart Kincaid will perform a thorough initial consultation and help the patient to determine if liposuction is a viable option for them.