Correlations of Body Mass Index, Quality of Life, and Severity of Menopausal Symptoms in Women During the Transition to Menopause

Abstract

Background: The recognition of the influential factors in the reduction of quality of life and health status in women is essential to their empowerment. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the correlations between body mass index (BMI), quality of life, the severity of menopausal symptoms in women during menopause. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 136 women transiting to menopause, who referred to the main health centers in Javanrood city, Iran. The subjects were selected via random sampling. MEN-QOL was used to measure the specific quality of life of the women, and the severity of menopausal symptoms was determined using the MRS questionnaire. Results: BMI could significantly predict the severity of menopausal symptoms, dimensions of quality of life (vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual symptoms), and total score of quality of life during the transition to menopause (P < 0.05). In addition, a significant correlation was observed between the severity of menopausal symptoms and BMI during menopause (P = 0.002). Conclusions: According to the results, BMI could predict the quality of life and severity of menopausal symptoms in women during menopause.