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Review
. 2011 Sep;38(3):537-66.
doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2011.05.008.

Physical activity and health during the menopausal transition

Barbara Sternfeld  1 , Sheila Dugan
Affiliations
Review

Physical activity and health during the menopausal transition

Barbara Sternfeld et al. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2011 Sep.

Abstract

The benefits of regular physical activity are well established, but evidence for a protective effect against the adverse health consequences accompanying the menopausal transition is limited. This article reviews that evidence, concluding that more physical activity is generally associated with fewer somatic and mood symptoms. Physical activity seems to minimize weight gain and changes in body composition and fat distribution experienced at midlife and might attenuate the rapid bone density loss that occurs. Given these benefits, clinicians treating perimenopausal women should encourage their patients to follow guidelines for physical activity (≥150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity).

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Change in weight associated with change in sports and exercise, adjusted for multiple confounding variables.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Change in waist associated with change in sports and exercise, adjusted for multiple confounding variables.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Mean IAF associated with physical activity by menopausal status and level of physical activity approximating current guidelines.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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