Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä’s Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences have unearthed critical insights linking physical activity levels, eating behaviours, and body fat distribution to the risk of metabolic inflammation in women, particularly post-menopause. Their findings underscore a significant increase in central body fat and a heightened risk of metabolic low-grade inflammation among women displaying disrupted eating behaviours and reduced physical activity. This inflammation is a precursor to cardiovascular diseases, which see a rise in prevalence following menopause.
The research delves into how body fat distribution evolves with the advancement of menopause and the decline of estrogen levels. Typically, fat stored around the hips and thighs migrates towards the midsection, morphing into harmful visceral fat. This shift not only predisposes women to low-grade inflammation but also increases their susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases significantly after menopause.
A focal point of the study was the interplay between health behaviours—specifically sleeping patterns, eating habits, and physical activity—and their collective impact on low-grade inflammation. The term ‘disordered eating behaviour’ used in the study describes scenarios where individuals may limit their food intake to control weight or body shape or possess a constrained understanding of acceptable foods and desirable body appearances.
Hannamari Lankila, a doctoral researcher, emphasized that the anticipated link between higher visceral fat and increased inflammation was confirmed. Visceral fat in the midsection secretes cytokines, which are inflammatory markers that elevate the risk of metabolic diseases. The study revealed that individuals exhibiting more disordered eating behaviours or lesser physical activity had a higher visceral fat accumulation, elevating their risk of inflammation.
The study further examined the combined effects of physical activity and eating behaviours. It found that increased physical activity correlates with reduced visceral fat, particularly in women who did not engage in disordered eating behaviours. However, the protective benefits of physical activity diminished when coupled with eating-related issues. Interestingly, sleep did not emerge as a significant factor in this relationship.
This investigation into the aggregated effects of health behaviours during menopause is pioneering, considering that women spend a substantial portion of their lives post-menopause, a period marked by an escalated risk of metabolic and cardiovascular conditions. The study not only highlighted the association between visceral fat and inflammation but also indicated that an integration of robust physical activity and flexible eating behaviours could more effectively mitigate the accrual of visceral fat.
Lankila pointed out that even post-menopause, it is feasible to curb the accumulation of harmful visceral fat and thus fend off the metabolic and cardiovascular diseases that might ensue. The study also incorporated assessments of sleep duration, perceived sleep quality, and physical activity through self-report questionnaires, alongside an evaluation of eating behaviours using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), which includes 28 questions focusing on dietary restrictions and concerns about eating weight or body shape. Additional factors such as the participant’s age, income level, and use of menopausal hormone therapy were also considered. This comprehensive approach allows for a holistic understanding of the interdependencies between lifestyle factors and health outcomes in the critical post-menopausal phase.
More information: Hannamari Lankila et al, A mediating role of visceral adipose tissue on the association of health behaviours and metabolic inflammation in menopause: a population-based cross-sectional study, Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-85134-8
Journal information: Scientific Reports Provided by University of Jyväskylä – Jyväskylän yliopisto
