Obesity and Menopause: A New Nutritional Concern

Obesity in India has reached epidemic proportions in the 21 century and is following a trend of other developing countries that are steadily becoming more obese. It is a complex multifactorial disorder affecting 20 per cent to 40 per cent of adults in India. The prevalence of obesity is more among women. The prevalence of being overweight and obesity is higher among postmenopausal women. Menopause is associated with several alterations in fat deposits, leading to changes in the distribution of body fat from gynoid to android pattern. Menopause affects the quality of life of a woman and besides causing commonly reported symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, urinary frequency, vaginal dryness, poor memory, anxiety and depression. A balanced diet rich in calcium, iron, fiber, soybeans, vitamin B, vitamin E, potassium, omega 3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens can relief menopausal symptoms including obesity.