A report published in the peer-reviewed journal Climacteric, by the International Menopause Society, found that the menopause does not cause a woman to gain weight, however, it does affect the way fat was deposited in the body.
Regardless of whether a woman put on weight or not, the menopause did cause a shift of body fat from the hips to the abdomen.
The review group of the International Menopause Society considered the evidence on why women gain weight around the menopause and concluded that the weight gain seen around the menopause is more due to ageing and environmental factors and is not hormonal.
Abdominal fat is a problem as it increases the risk of future problems such as diabetes, heart disease, sexual function and quality of life in postmenopausal women.
Their advice to women is to take early steps to ensure they don't gain excess weight after the menopause and to stay in shape by being active and exercising.
Some women may also benefit from estrogen therapy, but the pros and cons must be assessed with the doctor first.
