Sedentary Latin Women Have Increased Risk of Obesity, Severe Menopausal Symptoms: Study

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A new study reveals that middle-aged women in Latin America who have little to no exercise are in likely to suffer severe menopausal symptoms compared to women who exercise. A sedentary lifestyle in women was also linked to obesity, depression, anxiety and insomnia.

Researchers in Central and South America analyzed data from Collaborative Group for Research of the Climacteric in Latin America surveys and health records of 6,070 women with age ranging from 40 to 59, Eureka Alert reports. The participants were asked standard questions about depression, anxiety, insomnia and menopause symptoms such hot flashes, joint pains, irritability, sexual problems, vaginal dryness and bladder problems. They were also asked if they engage in any physical activity such as walking, jogging, bicycling or swimming.

CNN reports that researchers found that sedentary women were 28 percent more likely to report having severe menopause symptoms compared to those who exercised more. Women were considered sedentary if they reported fewer than three weekly sessions of physical activity that can last 30 minutes or longer. They were also found to be 52 percent more likely to be obese.

More so, a sedentary lifestyle is very common among the participants across 11 Latin American countries. A reported 64 percent of the women were sedentary.

"This is great support, and another study, showing that being sedentary is not only not good for your health, it is not good for your menopause symptoms," said Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, executive director of the North American Menopause Society and a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Virginia.

Although Pinkerton was not involved in the current study, she selected the publication for Menopause where she is an editor. The study was published in the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) on Jan. 27.

Although previous studies about sedentary lifestyle and menopause symptom have been conflicting, the current study adds more evidence to exercise's effect on menopause symptoms. One notable study suggests that losing weight through diet and exercise could ease hot flashes, reports CNN.

Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most disturbing menopause symptoms. These are also the common reasons why women seek medical help during menopause.

In the study, sedentary women were found to be 21 percent more likely to experience hot flashes and 17 percent more likely to feel sad or depressed. The authors speculate the reason exercise has a positive effect is the fact that our brains produce the chemicals serotonin and dopamine believed to boost mood, sleep and alertness. These are the same chemicals possibly lacking before and during menopause when estrogen levels drop.

Clinical studies have also revealed that exercise can help people with depression. To know more about menopause symptoms, check out the video below: