It’s well known that menopause is often followed by weight gain. Now come researchers at the University of Missouri who claim that just a little exercise can stave off much of that weight gain. Could be true. A U of Missouri news release reports that the researchers compared how exercise training maintained metabolic function in sedentary rats versus highly active rats. The rats were provided a running wheel which they could use as much or as little as they wanted. The sedentary rats only ran 1/5th of the distance as the highly active rats did; yet, the limited physical activity still maintained their metabolic function and normalized insulin levels. Wait, there’s more: the previously sedentary rats saw a 50 percent reduction in their fat tissue as a result of that small amount of exercise.
The findings suggest that any physical activity, even a small amount, can do wonders in terms of maintaining metabolic function,†says Vicki Vieira-Potter, assistant professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at MU. “This is significant for postmenopausal women as they deal with weight gain associated with menopause as well as the increased risk for disease.â€Â
Vieira-Potter says sedentary women can be proactive as they enter menopause by:
- Going on regular walks with friends;
- Taking the stairs rather than the elevator;
- Joining beginners’ fitness programs;
- Monitoring physical activity through use of fitness trackers.