Menopause: Excess fat increases the risk of premature death after menopause.
Excess fat and chronic inflammation in the body may play a key role in the risk of premature death in women after menopause. This conclusion was reached by researchers who studied the relationship between cardiovascular health and mortality. The results of the study were published in the journal Menopause.
Scientists analyzed data from more than 7,800 postmenopausal women. The study showed that higher overall cardiovascular health scores — according to the Life’s Essential 8 and Life’s Crucial 9 metrics — were associated with a lower risk of death from all causes as well as from heart disease.
Additional analysis revealed that part of this relationship is explained by levels of adipose tissue and systemic inflammation. After menopause, women often experience fat redistribution, particularly in the abdominal area, which can exacerbate inflammatory processes and increase cardiometabolic risks.
According to the researchers, the results highlight the importance of controlling lifestyle factors — nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and smoking cessation. Maintaining a healthy cardiometabolic profile after menopause can significantly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and increase longevity.
