Unexpected Reason Why Women Gain Weight After 40 — It's Not Just Hormones

Scientists have discovered that factors beyond hormones contribute to weight gain in women.

Typically, unhealthy eating habits and hormonal changes are blamed for weight gain during middle age.

However, recent research highlights an additional significant factor. The medical portal "Doctor Peter" shares these new insights.

Many women who maintain a balanced diet still experience noticeable weight gain after turning 40. This is often attributed to hormonal shifts caused by menopause, which bring unavoidable changes in the body.

Genetics and physical activity levels also play important roles. But a newly identified factor negatively impacting weight is related to where women live.

Researchers from the University of Michigan found that obesity is influenced by environmental conditions, especially air pollution.

Women living in the heart of major cities with heavy traffic are particularly vulnerable.

"Long-term exposure to polluted air leads to increases in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and fat deposits," concluded the scientists.

This mainly affects women aged 40 to 50. Their findings were published in the scientific journal Diabetes Care. Air containing high levels of nitrogen dioxide and ozone is especially harmful to body composition.

"We analyzed data from 1,654 women of various ethnicities, tracking them from 2000 to 2008," explained the University of Michigan team.

The researchers correlated changes in body measurements with residential locations and air pollution levels. Weight and waist circumference were measured annually. On average, participants gained 4.5% of their initial body weight during the study period. The study also accounted for different physical activity levels. Women who exercised regularly were less affected by air pollution but still experienced negative impacts.

"Our analysis indicates that exposure to fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone is adversely linked to body composition, including a higher proportion of fat mass, emphasizing the role of air quality in obesity," the researchers concluded.

Obesity is not just a cosmetic concern; it also raises the risk of serious health issues such as:

• Type 2 diabetes;
• Coronary heart disease;
• Stroke;
• Certain types of cancer;
• Osteoarthritis.

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Photo credit: Shutterstock/Fotodom.ru

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