Weight gain during midlife: Does race/ethnicity influence risk?

Abstract

Fears regarding weight gain and body changes commonly plague midlife women. The aim of this paper is to discuss the impact of weight gain and body changes on midlife women across various cultural backgrounds. Midlife weight gain in women is associated with age as opposed to menopausal status. Weight gain during midlife occurs across all cultural/ethnic groups; however, African Americans and Hispanic women exhibit higher rates of weight gain than their Caucasian counterparts. Although use of menopause hormone replacement therapy does not produce a clinical difference in weight gain, exercise decreases the risk of obesity in midlife women. Cultural differences in perception of body image exist. Recognizing these differences may help clinicians better address the weight concerns of women from diverse backgrounds. A shift in focus from weight goals to cardiometabolic risk reduction may help patients feel more successful and improve health outcomes.