Weight gain during the years surrounding menopause is a common issue for women. A study published in JAMA Network Open on May 20, led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, suggests that certain healthy dietary patterns can aid in weight management during this period.
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The research, conducted by Tong Xia, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Epidemiology, and her colleagues, analyzed food intake and health data from over 38,000 women in the Nurses Health Study II, spanning 12 years around the time of menopause. Participants were evaluated using 12 different dietary pattern indexes to assess their eating habits.
The study identified two dietary patterns linked to lower risks of weight gain and obesity: the planetary health diet, which emphasizes minimally processed plant foods, and the low-insulinemic diet, which focuses on fiber-rich foods and lean proteins to regulate blood sugar levels. Both patterns are characterized by high consumption of nuts, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting red and processed meats, sodium, potatoes, and French fries.