Hormone therapy isn't marketed for weight loss, but mounting evidence shows
it may influence how fat is stored, especially around the waist. Here's what
recent findings reveal.
- Less Deep Belly Fat: Studies show that women on menopausal hormone therapy
(MHT) tend to carry less visceral fat compared to non-users, even when
accounting for lifestyle factors. This
reduction in harmful fat may help lower the risk of metabolic and
cardiovascular diseases common in postmenopausal women.
- Fat Redistribution, Not Reduction: Estrogen therapy doesn’t drastically reduce total fat
but helps prevent central fat gain, often seen after menopause. It shifts fat storage patterns back
toward a more premenopausal distribution, which is considered
metabolically safer.
- Underlying Mechanisms: Benefits appear linked to improved insulin function,
lower blood sugar, and better sleep, all of which indirectly support
activity and fat control. These
physiological improvements may also help enhance energy levels and reduce
fatigue, encouraging more consistent exercise.
- Complementary with Obesity Drugs: A 2024 Mayo Clinic study found that women using both
HRT and GLP-1 lost more weight than those using GLP-1 alone, suggesting
synergy, not conflict. This
combination approach may become increasingly relevant for women struggling
with both menopause symptoms and obesity.
- Not a Weight-Loss Treatment: No clinical trials classify hormone therapy as a
slimming solution. Any body-fat benefit is considered secondary, not a
core reason for prescribing it. Clinicians
emphasize its role in symptom relief, with any metabolic improvements seen
as added advantages rather than goals.
Hormone therapy may help reshape how fat is stored post-menopause, but it's not a standalone solution. When paired with other interventions, though, it could be a powerful support tool. Don’t miss out, tap to read our blog post! Beat Menopause Belly: Kickstart Your Midlife Metabolism with HRT
