Increased visceral fat and decreased energy expenditure during the menopausal transition.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study assessed longitudinal changes in body composition, fat distribution and energy balance in perimenopausal women. We hypothesized that total fat and abdominal body fat would increase at menopause due to decreased energy expenditure (EE) and declining estrogen, respectively.

Design

Observational, longitudinal study with annual measurements for 4 years.

Subjects

Healthy women (103 Caucasian; 53 African-American), initially premenopausal. During follow-up, lack of menstruation for 1 year and follicle-stimulating hormone >30 mIU ml(-1) defined a subject as postmenopausal.

Measurements

Fat and lean mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous abdominal fat (SAT) (computed tomography), dietary intake (4-day food record),

SUBMITTER: Lovejoy JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2748330 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature