Menopause, weight, and metabolic health – considerations for a patient centered, multidisciplinary approach

Abstract

Purpose of review To examine the complexity of weight and metabolic changes during the menopausal transition and propose a multidisciplinary care approach to support long-term metabolic health. Recent findings Menopause, weight and metabolic health changes are influenced by many interplaying factors, and therefore, require a multipronged, multidisciplinary patient centered approach. This approach should start with a medical history and examination. Additional key components include: behavior change principles, mental health evaluation, gynecological care, nutrition, exercise recommendations and sleep care. In addition, when appropriate, weight loss pharmacotherapy and surgical options should be considered. Metabolic health is a long-term chronic process and improvement requires a chronic management approach. Summary Applying the framework of chronic disease prevention and treatment to optimizing metabolic health and body weight in peri and postmenopausal women offers an approach that works with the dynamic nature of metabolism changes that occur during aging and the menopausal transition. Using patient-centered care and behavior change principles with this multidisciplinary approach can strengthen its long-term effect.