Which factor is NOT commonly associated with weight gain during menopause?

Which factor is NOT commonly associated with weight gain during menopause?

• A. Aging
• B. Hormonal changes
• C. Decreased physical activity
• D. Increased estrogen levels

Answer: (D)

Weight gain around menopause is driven by aging-related changes, hormonal shifts, and reduced physical activity that together alter energy balance and body composition. As ovarian function declines, estrogen levels fall, which tends to shift fat to the abdomen and reduce lean muscle mass, lowering resting energy expenditure. When activity levels also drop, there’s less calories burned, promoting weight gain. Increased estrogen levels, however, are not part of this common pattern because menopause is characterized by decreasing estrogen, not rising levels. In fact, estrogen changes contribute to the distribution and amount of fat more than an uptick in estrogen would.

Weight gain around menopause is driven by aging-related changes, hormonal shifts, and reduced physical activity that together alter energy balance and body composition. As ovarian function declines, estrogen levels fall, which tends to shift fat to the abdomen and reduce lean muscle mass, lowering resting energy expenditure. When activity levels also drop, there’s less calories burned, promoting weight gain. Increased estrogen levels, however, are not part of this common pattern because menopause is characterized by decreasing estrogen, not rising levels. In fact, estrogen changes contribute to the distribution and amount of fat more than an uptick in estrogen would.