Study of 38,000 Women Points to Plant-Forward Diets for Menopause Weight Control
Updated
Updated · Ynetnews · Jun 20
Study of 38,000 Women Points to Plant-Forward Diets for Menopause Weight Control
1 articles · Updated · Ynetnews · Jun 20
Summary
More than 38,000 U.S. women tracked around menopause showed less weight gain with unprocessed plant-based and insulin-lowering diets, rather than simply cutting all meat or carbohydrates.
Newer research ties menopause weight gain not only to slower metabolism but also to falling estrogen, which can weaken brain satiety signaling and increase hunger and fat storage.
A review of 101 studies covering 5,700 women found exercise is the strongest non-drug tool for body composition: aerobic activity cuts fat and waist size, while strength training preserves muscle.
The guidance calls for at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly, strength training twice a week, and meals centered on vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts and unsaturated fats.
Dr. Irit Hochberg said the findings show menopause weight gain is not a failure of willpower and that realistic, health-focused goals matter more than chasing pre-30 body weight.
A 2026 study found combining HRT with weight-loss drugs quadruples results. Is this the new standard for menopause care?
Beyond hormones, are hidden chemicals in everyday products sabotaging your metabolism during menopause?
New Study Finds Planetary Health Diet Reduces Menopausal Obesity Risk by Over Half
Overview
A major new study published in 2026 has filled a long-standing gap in menopause research by directly comparing 11 different dietary patterns within the same group of women. Using data from the large Nurses’ Health Study II, researchers found that plant-forward diets, especially the Planetary Health Diet, were linked to a 54% lower risk of obesity during menopause. This breakthrough offers clear, evidence-based guidance for women seeking to manage weight gain and reduce obesity risk during this life stage, highlighting the strong benefits of adopting plant-based eating habits.