What is the first-line lifestyle intervention for weight management in menopause?

What is the first-line lifestyle intervention for weight management in menopause?

• A. Diet and exercise
• B. Pharmacologic therapy
• C. Bariatric surgery
• D. Hormone therapy

Answer: (A)

Weight management in menopause is best started with lifestyle changes. The hormonal shifts of menopause often lead to easier fat gain and loss of lean muscle, so the foundation is a sustainable plan that reduces energy intake and increases expenditure. A sensible diet focuses on a modest caloric deficit while prioritizing protein and nutrient-dense foods to protect lean mass. Pair this with regular activity that includes both aerobic exercise and resistance training; aerobic work helps burn calories and improve cardiovascular health, while strength training preserves muscle and supports a higher metabolic rate. This combined approach improves weight and body composition with the fewest risks and is the step most clinicians start with. Pharmacologic options or bariatric surgery are considered only if lifestyle changes alone don’t achieve goals or if obesity-related criteria are met, and hormone therapy is not used primarily for weight loss and carries its own risks.

Weight management in menopause is best started with lifestyle changes. The hormonal shifts of menopause often lead to easier fat gain and loss of lean muscle, so the foundation is a sustainable plan that reduces energy intake and increases expenditure. A sensible diet focuses on a modest caloric deficit while prioritizing protein and nutrient-dense foods to protect lean mass. Pair this with regular activity that includes both aerobic exercise and resistance training; aerobic work helps burn calories and improve cardiovascular health, while strength training preserves muscle and supports a higher metabolic rate. This combined approach improves weight and body composition with the fewest risks and is the step most clinicians start with. Pharmacologic options or bariatric surgery are considered only if lifestyle changes alone don’t achieve goals or if obesity-related criteria are met, and hormone therapy is not used primarily for weight loss and carries its own risks.