Intermittent Fasting and Weight Management at Menopause Original paper

What was studied?

This review assessed the impact of intermittent fasting (IF) on weight management and overall health in postmenopausal women. It focused on how different IF protocols, such as time-restricted feeding, alternate-day fasting, and the 5:2 method, affect metabolic health, weight control, insulin sensitivity, hormonal balance, and inflammation in women post-menopause. The review aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of IF in managing menopause-associated conditions, particularly metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk, and obesity, which are prevalent in postmenopausal women.

Who was studied?

The review consolidated findings from various studies involving postmenopausal women, typically aged between 45 and 65 years, who are at a heightened risk of developing metabolic conditions due to hormonal changes that occur during and after menopause. These women often experience significant weight gain, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, making them a key demographic for evaluating non-pharmacological interventions like intermittent fasting. The studies included clinical trials and observational studies that explored the effects of IF protocols on metabolic health, specifically in postmenopausal women.

Most important findings

The review demonstrated that intermittent fasting (IF) could provide significant metabolic benefits for postmenopausal women, particularly in managing weight gain and improving insulin sensitivity. Studies indicated that IF could help reduce visceral fat and overall body weight, with improvements in metabolic biomarkers such as glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles. Additionally, IF was found to influence hormonal levels, potentially reducing insulin and cortisol spikes, which are crucial for managing menopause-related metabolic disturbances. The positive impact of IF extended to cardiovascular health, where improvements in blood pressure and lipid profiles were observed. Furthermore, preliminary evidence suggested that IF could enhance cognitive function by improving brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), supporting neuronal health. Although promising, the review also highlighted the need for further research into the long-term effects of IF on bone health and its interaction with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as these aspects were not comprehensively studied.

Key implications

The findings of this review suggest that intermittent fasting may be a beneficial non-pharmacological intervention for managing menopause-related metabolic and cardiovascular risks in women. IF provides a promising strategy to address obesity, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders without relying on medication. Its ability to improve hormonal balance, reduce inflammation, and potentially enhance cognitive function makes it a valuable tool for postmenopausal women. However, the review also emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to IF, as its effectiveness may vary based on the woman’s health status and adherence levels. Further research is required to explore its long-term impact, particularly regarding bone health, and to determine how it interacts with other therapeutic options such as HRT.