Losing weight may reduce symptoms of menopause

Women who lose weight could experience fewer menopause symptoms as a result, a new study has found.

According to the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, body fat can prevent heat loss because it acts as insulation.

This means that when women suffer hot flashes and night sweats, their bodies are more likely to retain the heat if they are carrying lots of weight.

Scientists have therefore concluded that trying to shed a few pounds could be advantageous for these people.

Bette Caan, senior author of the research, commented: "Since most women tend to gain weight with age, weight loss or weight gain prevention may offer a viable strategy to eliminate hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause."

Lead author Candyce Kroenke added that scientists do not completely understand what triggers these particular symptoms, but believe it involves fluctuating hormone levels, the brain's hypothalamus area, blood vessels, sweat glands and brain chemicals and receptors.