Menopause and Abdominal Fat: Hormonal Shifts, Metabolism, and Lifestyle

Declining estrogen at menopause drives visceral fat accumulation via:

1. Fat redistribution – From gluteofemoral (pear) to abdominal (apple) pattern.
2. Reduced metabolic rate – Lower resting energy expenditure.
3. Insulin resistance – Impaired glucose uptake promotes lipogenesis.
4. Lifestyle changes – Often less activity, more stress, dietary shifts.
5. Genetics – Some women are predisposed to central adiposity.

Mitigation: resistance training, aerobic exercise, Mediterranean‑style diet, stress management, sleep hygiene, and, if appropriate, menopausal hormone therapy (individualized decision).