Minimal exercise may be all it takes for postmenopausal women to better regulate insulin, maintain metabolic function and help prevent significant weight gain.
Male Menopause Linked to Obesity, Diabetes
As men age, testosterone levels fall - a process described as late-onset hypogonadsim and could even be linked to obesity and diabetes.
As men age, testosterone levels fall - a process described as late-onset hypogonadsim and could even be linked to obesity and diabetes.
‘Physical activity, even just a small amount, can do wonders in terms of maintaining metabolic function.’
"Diseases and weight gain associated with metabolic dysfunction skyrocket after menopause," said Vicki Vieira-Potter, assistant professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at MU. "The intent of this research was to determine what role exercise plays in protecting women, specifically less-active women, metabolically as they go through menopause." Vieira-Potter's research team compared how exercise training maintained metabolic function in sedentary rats versus highly active rats. The rats were provided a running wheel which they could use as much or as little as they wanted. The sedentary rats only ran 1/5th of the distance as the highly active rats did; yet, the limited physical activity still maintained their metabolic function and normalized insulin levels. Moreover, the previously sedentary rats saw a 50 percent reduction in their fat tissue as a result of that small amount of exercise.
"These findings suggest that any physical activity, even just a small amount, can do wonders in terms of maintaining metabolic function," Vieira-Potter said. "This is significant for postmenopausal women as they deal with weight gain associated with menopause as well as the increased risk for disease."
Brain Changes After Menopause may Lead to Lack of Physical Activity Among Women
Activation of brain receptors in the brain's pleasure center may serve as a future treatment to improve motivation for physical activity in postmenopausal women.
Activation of brain receptors in the brain's pleasure center may serve as a future treatment to improve motivation for physical activity in postmenopausal women.
Early and Late Menopause can Increase Diabetes Risk
Women who had their menopause before age 46 were 25% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, compared to women who had their menopause between ages 46 and 55.
Women who had their menopause before age 46 were 25% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, compared to women who had their menopause between ages 46 and 55.
Early Menopause may Make Women Age Faster
A woman who enters early menopause at age 42 would age more rapidly over the next eight years than a woman who entered menopause at age 50.
A woman who enters early menopause at age 42 would age more rapidly over the next eight years than a woman who entered menopause at age 50.
