INVESTING THE DIETARY HABITS OF MENOPAUSAL WOMEN & ASSESSING NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL HEALTH COMPLICATIONS; AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Clinical Nutrition

Background: Menopause, occurring typically between 45-56 years, is marked by the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle and estrogen deficiency after 12 months of amenorrhea. This physiological transition, involving declines in ovarian follicles, FSH, LH, and estrogen, affects overall health with symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia, mood changes, increased cardiovascular risk, and osteoporosis. It is associated with increased body fat, Dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, heightening the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The loss of estrogen’s protective effects increases the likelihood of coronary heart disease (CHD) by 2-3 times. Factors such as reduced physical activity, hormonal changes, and diet contribute to higher BMI and central obesity, which are linked to hypertension and Dyslipidemia. Rising chronic disease prevalence among postmenopausal women highlights the need for attention to diet, lifestyle, and food intake. This study examines the dietary habits and physical activity of menopausal women to understand their correlation with nutritional status and health risks. The primary objective of this study is to assess the dietary intake, physical activity and anthropometric measurements of menopausal women. The secondary objectives of the study are to analyze the potential health complications which occur due to dietary habits and to establish a correlation between their current lifestyle and nutritional status. Methodology: The study conducted was an observational study that included 100participants from D.Y. Patil Hospital and D. Y. Patil College, Nerul, Navi Mumbai. The participants were selected through convenience sampling and according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data of patients was collected after the consent of the patients, through personal interviews of the subject, with the help of a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of demographic details of the patients, and anthropometric measurements, dietary information like food preferences, and dietary intake with the help of 24- hour recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire. The data was then analyzed using SPSS Tool. Result: The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the surveyed population i.e. menopausal women’s BMI distribution, physical exercise engagement, dietary habits, co-morbidity status, and associations with health indicators like BMI and WHR. The largest group, 54%, falls within the normal BMI category, with significant portions also in overweight (28%) and obese classes (16%). Physical exercise engagement is evenly split, and walking is the most common exercise. High carbohydrate and fat intakes are prevalent, with 84% and 74% of respondents, respectively. Co-morbidities are reported by 56% of participants, with hypertension and diabetes being the most common. No significant associations were found between physical exercise or occupation and BMI or WHR. Daily consumption patterns highlight a reliance on rice, wheat, sugar, and milk, with minimal intake of fruits and dark green leafy vegetables. These findings underscore the need for targeted health interventions to improve dietary and physical activity habits. Conclusion: This study provides an in-depth analysis of health and lifestyle factors among menopausal women, focusing on BMI distribution, physical exercise habits, dietary patterns, co-morbidities, weight changes post-menopause, and the consumption of fried junk food and aerated beverages. Although many individuals maintain a normal BMI, there is a significant incidence of overweight and obesity, highlighting potential health concerns. While physical activity is moderately prevalent, it requires more frequent engagement. The dietary patterns indicate a high intake of carbohydrates and fats, with insufficient protein, likely influencing BMI trends. The high occurrence of co-morbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes, highlights the complexity of managing health in this demographic. Weight changes post-menopause are evenly divided between gain and stability, necessitating targeted interventions. Despite some positive trends in beverage choices, the intake of fried junk food remains high. The diet predominantly consists of carbohydrate-rich staples and dairy, with low consumption of fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods, pointing to nutritional imbalances. High non-consumption rates of beneficial foods suggest areas for improvement through targeted education and interventions. The observed supplement consumption patterns reveal a majority relying on dietary sources, while a minority prioritizes supplements for bone health, particularly Calcium and Vitamin D. The lower usage of Vitamin B12 suggests gaps in awareness or perceived need. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health strategies to promote education on balanced nutrition and appropriate supplement use, especially for at-risk populations. The study underscores the importance of promoting balanced diets, increased physical activity, and integrated healthcare approaches to better address the complex health needs and enhance the well-being of menopausal women.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.