It is an inescapable stage in the life of a woman. Menopause is a natural physiological phenomenon that marks the permanent cessation of periods and the loss of fertility. This often results in weight gain in the stomach and the appearance of cellulite due to significant hormonal upheavals. But menopause is not the sole cause of these physical changes. According to a new study, published in the journal Menopause, certain drugs could also promote this weight gain.
Antidepressants, antihypertensives, beta-blockers, insulin and glucocorticosteroids involved
To carry out their work, researchers from the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) collected health data from recently postmenopausal female members of the cohort Women’s Heath Initiative. For nearly three years, scientists studied the evolution of their body mass index (BMI) and monitored their intake of drugs such as antidepressants, antihypertensives, beta-blockers, insulin or even glucocorticosteroids. The result: women who took these treatments regularly were more concerned with weight gain than others. This results in a significant increase in their BMI and / or their waistline. The same is true for women belonging to racial and ethnic minorities as well as those already overweight.
Some tips to limit weight gain
This new study will allow doctors to take this weight / drug combination into consideration in order to better dose their prescriptions. “To reduce these undesirable effects, dietary and sports recommendations may also be made”, recalls Stephanie Faubion, medical director of the North American Menopause Society. In order to limit fat storage, sleep hygiene must be impeccable. For this, it is important to get up and go to bed at fixed times, to avoid heavy meals and to ban tea, coffee and alcohol a few hours before going to bed.
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