Hormonal

During the menopausal transition, the accumulation of intraabdominal fat (IAF) is associated with a deleterious shift in adipokine and inflammatory profiles, specifically characterized by increased levels of leptin, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), serum amyloid A (SAA), and C-reactive protein (CRP), alongside a negative correlation with adiponectin.

For women undergoing menopause, monitor waist circumference and visceral fat rather than just total body weight. Even if your overall weight remains stable, the shift of fat to the abdominal area can trigger inflammatory changes (like increased CRP and leptin) that increase cardiovascular risk. Prioritize strategies that preserve or reduce visceral fat, such as resistance training and managing stress, as these hormonal shifts are a key driver of postmenopausal metabolic health.