this problem poses an enormous burden on health care systems and has lowered the quality of life of affected individuals substantially .
world health organization 's latest projections indicate that by 2015 approximately 2.3 billion adults will be overweight and 700 million will be obese .
postmenopausal ( pm ) status is associated with higher prevalence of obesity , as 44% of postmenopausal women ( pmw ) are overweight , among whom 23% are obese .
it is as yet unclear whether the menopausal transition itself leads to weight gain , but is known that the physiological withdrawal of estrogen brings about changes in fat distribution , together with physical inactivity , are probably the major causes of this phenomenon .
women with abdominal obesity compared with other women have , high vasomotor scores , personal life dissatisfaction , nervousness , memory loss , depression , flatulence , muscle and joint pains , sleeping disorders lack of energy .
a sustained weight loss in obese patients has been shown to confer marked health benefits ( metabolic and vascular ) by various studies existing from western population .
there is irrefutable evidence of the effectiveness of life - style management by regular physical activity and dietary management , in the primary and secondary prevention of several chronic diseases ( e.g. , cardiovascular disease [ cvs ] , diabetes , cancer , hypertension , depression and osteoporosis ) and premature death .
sibutramine and rimonabant were withdrawn from the market recently . moreover , no convincing data exist recommending the use orlistat in pm obesity as such . hence , presently life - style modification at the transition and during of menopause will go a long way in preventing weight gain and related complications during this metabolically vulnerable period .
there are only few studies available from the western countries but no study is available from india to the best of our knowledge confirming the benefits of life - style management on weight reduction among pm indian women .
this study was conducted in the postgraduate department of pharmacology and therapeutics , in a tertiary care teaching medical college of india over a period of 1 year .
the study was approved by institutional ethics board . written informed consent was obtained from all the patients after explaining them the nature and purpose of the study .
out of 96 patients , a total of 60 meeting the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups equally .
thirty patients in group i and 24 patients in group ii completed the study . 
 age : > 45 yearssex : pm femalesoverweight : body mass index ( bmi ) : 25 - 29.9 kg / mobese : bmi > 30
overweight : body mass index ( bmi ) : 25 - 29.9 kg / m 
 hypertension.cerebrovascular disease.cvs diseases such as ischemic heart disease and arrhythmias.renal and hepatic disease.type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.psychosis.thyroid disorder.dyslipidemia.use of medications known to affect body weight , e.g. , drugs acting on central nervous system , cathartics , thyroid supplements , diuretics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.a weight loss of 5 kg or more in preceding 6 months.psychosocial contraindications such as bulimia nervosa , anorexia nervosa , substance abuse , clinically significant depression or under current psychiatric care . 
  cerebrovascular disease .
use of medications known to affect body weight , e.g. , drugs acting on central nervous system , cathartics , thyroid supplements , diuretics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors . a weight loss of 5 kg or more in preceding 6 months . psychosocial contraindications such as bulimia nervosa , anorexia nervosa , substance abuse , clinically significant depression or under current psychiatric care .
clinical evaluation with complete medical history , complete general physical examination and complete systemic examination was done .
the following laboratory investigations were carried out at the time of screening : 
 hemoglobin , total leucocyte count , differential leucocyte count , erythrocyte sedimentation rate.liver function tests.renal function tests.serum electrolytes ( na , k ) .electrocardiography , x - ray , urine routine examination . 
 
hemoglobin , total leucocyte count , differential leucocyte count , erythrocyte sedimentation rate . liver function tests .
weight , height , bmi , waist circumference ( wc).blood sugar ( f ) , lipid profile ( triglyceride , low - density lipoprotein - cholesterol and high - density lipoprotein - cholesterol ) , serum uric acid . 
 
blood sugar ( f ) , lipid profile ( triglyceride , low - density lipoprotein - cholesterol and high - density lipoprotein - cholesterol ) , serum uric acid . after screening all the patients
two groups were formed group i was designated as the intervention group and group ii served as control .
both groups attended follow - up visits at 4 , 8 , 16 and 24 weeks of study .
group i was advised life - style modification as follows : caloric restriction , consisting of 1300 kcal / day ( 25% total fat , 7% saturated fat , 100 mg of dietary cholesterol ) , eating calcium , flavonoid and antioxidant rich diet .
they were encouraged intake of fiber , spinach , kale , cabbage , broccoli , tomatoes , beans , lentils , citrus fruits and a diet rich in phytoestrogens .
all women were asked to avoid of fatty diet , sugars , salt , ghee , excess rice , potato and even honey .
major recommendation was to exercise regularly , for at least 30 - 60 min on at least 5 days of the week or increased their physical activity expenditure ( 1000 - 1500 kcal / week ) .
controlled yoga and mind full exercises like meditation for 1 h on at least 5 days a week was compulsory .
any of the strength , resistance and stretching exercise training , aerobic such as walking , jogging , swimming , cycling , dancing , step ups and downs , brisk walking , lawn mowing were recommended to all .
the highly motivated known women regularly visiting to yoga center of medical college , premises , after two brief educative awareness sessions were included in the interventional group .
group ii was treated as control and was allowed to undertake their routine activity and diet of their own choice .
weight in kilograms was measured nearest to 0.1 kg ( 100 g ) on insulin sensitivity index marked weighing machine with the subject ideally fasting , empty bladder , wearing only light clothing and without shoes .
bmi has been traditionally used to identify individuals who are most likely to be overweight and obese .
it is calculated by dividing weight ( in kg ) by height ( in m ) squared : body fatness in terms of bmi is classified as per consensus statement for diagnosis of obesity and metabolic syndrome for asian indian .
wc is considered to be a better assessor of metabolic risk than bmi because it is more directly proportional to total body fat and amount of metabolically active visceral fat .
normal wc measurements for men and women are 94 cm and 80 cm respectively . metabolic risk is increased substantially if wc is 102 cm and 88 cm for males and females respectively .
similarly , wc was classified as per consensus statement for diagnosis of obesity and metabolic syndrome for asian indian . for men : 90 cm and for women
: 80 cm respectively to define obesity . wc in inches was measured midway between the lower rib margin and iliac crest with a horizontal tape at the end of gentle expiration .
, weight , wc , bmi , was done by applying unpaired t - test for evaluation of intergroup significance and the intragroup significance was assessed using paired t - test

 age : > 45 yearssex : pm femalesoverweight : body mass index ( bmi ) : 25 - 29.9 kg / mobese : bmi > 30 kg / m . 
 

 hypertension.cerebrovascular disease.cvs diseases such as ischemic heart disease and arrhythmias.renal and hepatic disease.type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.psychosis.thyroid disorder.dyslipidemia.use of medications known to affect body weight , e.g. , drugs acting on central nervous system , cathartics , thyroid supplements , diuretics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.a weight loss of 5 kg or more in preceding 6 months.psychosocial contraindications such as bulimia nervosa , anorexia nervosa , substance abuse , clinically significant depression or under current psychiatric care . 
 
use of medications known to affect body weight , e.g. , drugs acting on central nervous system , cathartics , thyroid supplements , diuretics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors . a weight loss of 5 kg or more in preceding 6 months . psychosocial contraindications such as bulimia nervosa , anorexia nervosa , substance abuse , clinically significant depression or under current psychiatric care .
clinical evaluation with complete medical history , complete general physical examination and complete systemic examination was done .
the following laboratory investigations were carried out at the time of screening : 
 hemoglobin , total leucocyte count , differential leucocyte count , erythrocyte sedimentation rate.liver function tests.renal function tests.serum electrolytes ( na , k ) .electrocardiography , x - ray , urine routine examination . 
 
hemoglobin , total leucocyte count , differential leucocyte count , erythrocyte sedimentation rate . liver function tests .

 weight , height , bmi , waist circumference ( wc).blood sugar ( f ) , lipid profile ( triglyceride , low - density lipoprotein - cholesterol and high - density lipoprotein - cholesterol ) , serum uric acid . 
 
blood sugar ( f ) , lipid profile ( triglyceride , low - density lipoprotein - cholesterol and high - density lipoprotein - cholesterol ) , serum uric acid . after screening all the patients
two groups were formed group i was designated as the intervention group and group ii served as control .
both groups attended follow - up visits at 4 , 8 , 16 and 24 weeks of study .
group i was advised life - style modification as follows : caloric restriction , consisting of 1300 kcal / day ( 25% total fat , 7% saturated fat , 100 mg of dietary cholesterol ) , eating calcium , flavonoid and antioxidant rich diet .
they were encouraged intake of fiber , spinach , kale , cabbage , broccoli , tomatoes , beans , lentils , citrus fruits and a diet rich in phytoestrogens .
all women were asked to avoid of fatty diet , sugars , salt , ghee , excess rice , potato and even honey .
major recommendation was to exercise regularly , for at least 30 - 60 min on at least 5 days of the week or increased their physical activity expenditure ( 1000 - 1500 kcal / week ) .
controlled yoga and mind full exercises like meditation for 1 h on at least 5 days a week was compulsory .
any of the strength , resistance and stretching exercise training , aerobic such as walking , jogging , swimming , cycling , dancing , step ups and downs , brisk walking , lawn mowing were recommended to all .
the highly motivated known women regularly visiting to yoga center of medical college , premises , after two brief educative awareness sessions were included in the interventional group .
caloric restriction , consisting of 1300 kcal / day ( 25% total fat , 7% saturated fat , 100 mg of dietary cholesterol ) , eating calcium , flavonoid and antioxidant rich diet .
they were encouraged intake of fiber , spinach , kale , cabbage , broccoli , tomatoes , beans , lentils , citrus fruits and a diet rich in phytoestrogens .
all women were asked to avoid of fatty diet , sugars , salt , ghee , excess rice , potato and even honey .
major recommendation was to exercise regularly , for at least 30 - 60 min on at least 5 days of the week or increased their physical activity expenditure ( 1000 - 1500 kcal / week ) .
controlled yoga and mind full exercises like meditation for 1 h on at least 5 days a week was compulsory .
any of the strength , resistance and stretching exercise training , aerobic such as walking , jogging , swimming , cycling , dancing , step ups and downs , brisk walking , lawn mowing were recommended to all .
the highly motivated known women regularly visiting to yoga center of medical college , premises , after two brief educative awareness sessions were included in the interventional group .
group ii was treated as control and was allowed to undertake their routine activity and diet of their own choice .
weight in kilograms was measured nearest to 0.1 kg ( 100 g ) on insulin sensitivity index marked weighing machine with the subject ideally fasting , empty bladder , wearing only light clothing and without shoes .
bmi has been traditionally used to identify individuals who are most likely to be overweight and obese .
it is calculated by dividing weight ( in kg ) by height ( in m ) squared : body fatness in terms of bmi is classified as per consensus statement for diagnosis of obesity and metabolic syndrome for asian indian .
wc is considered to be a better assessor of metabolic risk than bmi because it is more directly proportional to total body fat and amount of metabolically active visceral fat .
normal wc measurements for men and women are 94 cm and 80 cm respectively . metabolic risk is increased substantially if wc is 102 cm and 88 cm for males and females respectively .
similarly , wc was classified as per consensus statement for diagnosis of obesity and metabolic syndrome for asian indian . for men : 90 cm and for women
wc in inches was measured midway between the lower rib margin and iliac crest with a horizontal tape at the end of gentle expiration .
weight in kilograms was measured nearest to 0.1 kg ( 100 g ) on insulin sensitivity index marked weighing machine with the subject ideally fasting , empty bladder , wearing only light clothing and without shoes .
bmi has been traditionally used to identify individuals who are most likely to be overweight and obese .
it is calculated by dividing weight ( in kg ) by height ( in m ) squared : body fatness in terms of bmi is classified as per consensus statement for diagnosis of obesity and metabolic syndrome for asian indian .
wc is considered to be a better assessor of metabolic risk than bmi because it is more directly proportional to total body fat and amount of metabolically active visceral fat .
normal wc measurements for men and women are 94 cm and 80 cm respectively . metabolic risk is increased substantially if wc is 102 cm and 88 cm for males and females respectively .
similarly , wc was classified as per consensus statement for diagnosis of obesity and metabolic syndrome for asian indian . for men : 90 cm and for women : 80 cm respectively to define obesity .
wc in inches was measured midway between the lower rib margin and iliac crest with a horizontal tape at the end of gentle expiration .
, weight , wc , bmi , was done by applying unpaired t - test for evaluation of intergroup significance and the intragroup significance was assessed using paired t - test
the results obtained after evaluating the effects of both groups on various parameters are as under : baseline characteristics of women group i observed , reduced mean weight from 83.1  7.64 kg at baseline to 80.2  7.4 ( -2.9 kg at 4 weeks , 73.2  7.5 ( -9.9 kg ) at 8 weeks , 71.6  6.46 ( -11.5 kg ) at 16 weeks and 71.2  6.52 ( -11.9 kg ) at 24 weeks .
the effect was found to be statistically significant at 4 , 8 , 16 and 24 weeks ( p  0.001 ) when compared with baseline [ table 2 ] .
effect of life - style management on weight , wc and bmi ( mean  sd ) in over weight and obese women ( n = 30 ) similarly in group i , a significant decrease in wc from 4 week onwards .
there was a decrease from baseline score of 38.6  2.33 inches to 37.3  2.17 ( -1.3 inches ) with ( p  0.001 ) at 4 weeks , 34.9  2.02 ( -3.7 inch ) at 8 weeks ( p  0.001 ) , 34.56  2.40 ( 4.04 inch ) at 16 weeks and 34.02fnx08  2.62 ( -4.58 ) ( p  0.001 ) at 24 weeks .
intervention  group i showed a significant decrease in bmi from 4 week . the decrease was observed from a mean baseline score of 30.6  2.7 kg / m to 29.5  2.62 ( -1.1 inch ) at 4 weeks ( p  0.001 ) , 26.8  2.5 ( -3.8 ) at 8 weeks ( p  0.001 ) 0 , 26.3  2.26 ( -4 ) at 16 weeks ( p  0.001 ) and 26.1  2.61 ( -4.5 ) at 24 weeks ( p  0.001 ) .
peak decrease was seen at 24 weeks [ table 2 ] . in the control arm , group
ii mean weight reduced from baseline score of 80.6  8.83 kg to 78.6  9.06 ( -2 kg ) , at 4 weeks , 77.2  8.94 ( -3.4 kg ) , 75.62  8.87 ( -4.98 kg ) and 75.22  6.88 ( -5.38 kg ) , at the end of 4 , 8 , 16 and 24 weeks respectively [ table 3 ] .
there was a decrease in wc to 37.7  2.64 ( -0.9 inches ) at 4 weeks , 36.3  3.45 ( -2.3 inches ) at 8 weeks , 35.91  2.92 ( -2.69 inches ) at 16 weeks 35.24  2.41 ( -.3.36 inches ) at the end of 24 weeks ( p  0.001 ) [ table 3 ] . in the control arm bmi decreased from a mean 31.7  3.25 kg / m at baseline to 31.4  3.69 ( -0.3 ) , 30.8  3.3 ( -1.09 ) , 29.82  3.206 ( -1.88 ) and 29.58  3.23 ( -2.12 ) at 4 , 8 , 16 and 24 weeks [ table 3 ] .
effect of control on weight , wc and bmi ( mean  sd ) in overweight and obese women ( n = 24 ) when the effect of group i ( intervention group ) and control on weight was compared at 4 , 8 , 16 and 24 weeks , there was no significant difference between them up to 8 week . at 8 weeks group i caused a significant decrease in weight ( p  0.05 ) when compared with the placebo arm and this significant difference in weight reduction continued throughout the study period ( p < 0.05 ) at both 16 and 24 weeks .
on comparing the effect of group i and control wc at 4 , 8 , 16 and 24 weeks , the group i in a similar manner produced a significant reduction in wc from 8 week onwards up to 24 weeks ( p  0.05 ) .
on comparing the effect on bmi , fall in bmi was statistically significant in group i and the effect started at 4 week ( p  0.05 ) and the differences in bmi reduction were highly significant at 16 and 24 week ( p  0.001 ) [ table 4 ] .
comparative analysis of group i ( n = 30 ) and group ii ( n = 24 ) on weight , wc and bmi in overweight and obese women
group i observed , reduced mean weight from 83.1  7.64 kg at baseline to 80.2  7.4 ( -2.9 kg at 4 weeks , 73.2  7.5 ( -9.9 kg ) at 8 weeks , 71.6  6.46 ( -11.5 kg ) at 16 weeks and 71.2  6.52 ( -11.9 kg ) at 24 weeks . the effect was found to be statistically significant at 4 , 8 , 16 and 24 weeks ( p  0.001 ) when compared with baseline [ table 2 ] .
effect of life - style management on weight , wc and bmi ( mean  sd ) in over weight and obese women ( n = 30 ) similarly in group i , a significant decrease in wc from 4 week onwards .
there was a decrease from baseline score of 38.6  2.33 inches to 37.3  2.17 ( -1.3 inches ) with ( p  0.001 ) at 4 weeks , 34.9  2.02 ( -3.7 inch ) at 8 weeks ( p  0.001 ) , 34.56  2.40 ( 4.04 inch ) at 16 weeks and 34.02fnx08  2.62 ( -4.58 ) ( p  0.001 ) at 24 weeks .
intervention  group i showed a significant decrease in bmi from 4 week . the decrease was observed from a mean baseline score of 30.6  2.7 kg / m to 29.5  2.62 ( -1.1 inch ) at 4 weeks ( p  0.001 ) , 26.8  2.5 ( -3.8 ) at 8 weeks ( p  0.001 ) 0 , 26.3  2.26 ( -4 ) at 16 weeks ( p  0.001 ) and 26.1  2.61 ( -4.5 ) at 24 weeks ( p  0.001 ) .
peak decrease was seen at 24 weeks [ table 2 ] . in the control arm , group
ii mean weight reduced from baseline score of 80.6  8.83 kg to 78.6  9.06 ( -2 kg ) , at 4 weeks , 77.2  8.94 ( -3.4 kg ) , 75.62  8.87 ( -4.98 kg ) and 75.22  6.88 ( -5.38 kg ) , at the end of 4 , 8 , 16 and 24 weeks respectively [ table 3 ] .
there was a decrease in wc to 37.7  2.64 ( -0.9 inches ) at 4 weeks , 36.3  3.45 ( -2.3 inches ) at 8 weeks , 35.91  2.92 ( -2.69 inches ) at 16 weeks 35.24  2.41 ( -.3.36 inches ) at the end of 24 weeks ( p  0.001 ) [ table 3 ] . in
the control arm bmi decreased from a mean 31.7  3.25 kg / m at baseline to 31.4  3.69 ( -0.3 ) , 30.8  3.3 ( -1.09 ) , 29.82  3.206 ( -1.88 ) and
29.58  3.23 ( -2.12 ) at 4 , 8 , 16 and 24 weeks [ table 3 ] .
effect of control on weight , wc and bmi ( mean  sd ) in overweight and obese women ( n = 24 ) when the effect of group i ( intervention group ) and control on weight was compared at 4 , 8 , 16 and 24 weeks , there was no significant difference between them up to 8 week . at 8 weeks group i caused a significant decrease in weight ( p  0.05 ) when compared with the placebo arm and this significant difference in weight reduction continued throughout the study period ( p < 0.05 ) at both 16 and 24 weeks . the maximum effect was seen at 24 weeks [ table 4 ] . on comparing the effect of group i and control wc at 4 , 8 , 16 and 24 weeks , the group i in a similar manner produced a significant reduction in wc from 8 week onwards up to 24 weeks ( p  0.05 ) .
on comparing the effect on bmi , fall in bmi was statistically significant in group i and the effect started at 4 week ( p  0.05 ) and the differences in bmi reduction were highly significant at 16 and 24 week ( p  0.001 ) [ table 4 ] .
i ( n = 30 ) and group ii ( n = 24 ) on weight , wc and bmi in overweight and obese women
weight gain per se does not appear to be affected by the hormonal changes of the menopause .
other factors that may contribute to obesity in women include a low level of activity , parity , lower level of education , a family history of obesity , use of psychotropic drugs and chemotherapy .
in addition to the adverse physical consequences of obesity , weight excess is a major risk factor for psychological distress , low self - esteem , depression and sexual dysfunction .
the result of the current study is in full accordance with these recommendations . as on comparison life - style modification
reductions in weight , bmi and abdominal circumference have been associated with a reduction in vasomotor symptoms in overweight and obese women .
the combination of dietary modification and exercise also has positive effects on health - related quality of life ( hrqol ) and psychological health , which may be greater than that from exercise or diet alone .
improvements in weight , aerobic fitness and psychosocial factors may mediate some of the effects of these interventions on hrqol . weight loss in overweight and obese women improves psychological well - being , hrqol , self - esteem and health practices .
in addition , dietary weight loss and exercise exert a positive effect over insulin resistance in pmw , which together with a decrease in menopausal symptoms may potentially decrease cardiovascular risk .
the results of these studies are in accordance with our study as per beneficial effects of life- style modification is concerned on weight management of pmw , however the current study did not study the beneficial effects on various other parameters such as quality of life , symptom score and cardiovascular parameters . some of the recent studies are also in accordance with the current study . dietary weight loss and
exercise has been shown to improve body measures and biomarkers of glucose metabolism and inflammation independent of antidepressant use in overweight or obese , pmw in a 12-month randomized controlled trial .
similarly , caloric restriction , weight loss diet with or without exercise has been shown to reduce biomarkers of inflammation in pmw , with potential clinical significance for cancer risk reduction .
positive changes in depression , stress and social support have been shown to independently associated with increased hrqol , after adjusting for changes in weight and aerobic fitness exercise group among overweight / obese pmw .
dietary weight loss , with or without exercise , significantly improved insulin resistance and older women have been shown to derive as much benefit as did the younger pmw in one of the recent study .
the results of the present study are in accordance to our study , however our study was only planned to see the benefits on weight , bmi and wc among pm obese / overweight indian women .
thus , physical exercise and dietary changes are absolutely essential in the treatment of obesity particularly when existing literature fails to recommends the use of drugs for the effective and safe management of pm obesity .
first , it is a short - term study with less number of patients and effect of small sample size can not be ruled out on results of the study as power of the study was not calculated before resuming the current study .
thus , the highly encouraging results noticed in the current study need to be validated in larger indian population .
no biochemical markers , effects on menopausal symptoms , cvs parameters and impact on quality of life as a result of weight reduction were studied .
furthermore , highly motivated population included in the study retained these effects on long - term or not remains to be seen .
the results of the present study strongly recommend the life - style management to be incorporated in daily routine of pmw under the supervision and motivation / adherence to life - style management shall go a long way to avoid dual menace of obesity and its related complications .
 aim : the aim of the following study is to evaluate the effect of life - style modification on postmenopausal ( pm ) overweight and obese indian women in a randomized controlled 24 week study.materials and methods : two groups were formed group i ( n = 30 ) was designated as intervention ( dietary and exercise group ) and group ii ( n = 24 ) served as control . 
 comparison of weight , waist circumference ( wc ) and body mass index ( bmi ) were made and compared among two groups at 4 , 8 , 16 and 24 weeks.results:mean age at menopause was 48.35 years versus 49.65 years ; mean number of menopausal symptoms were 5.70  1.76 versus 5.10  1.56 and mean duration since menopause was 2.70 versus 2.90 years in groups i and ii respectively . 
 when the effect of group i and control on weight was compared at 4 , 8 , 16 and 24 weeks , there was no significant difference between them up to 8 week . at 8 weeks group 
 i caused a significant decrease in weight ( p  0.05 ) when compared with control arm and which continued throughout the study period ( p < 0.05 ) at both 16 and 24 weeks . 
 group i produced a significant reduction in wc from 8 weeks onwards up to 24 weeks ( p  0.05 ) . 
 bmi was statistically significant in group i and the effect started at 4th week ( p  0.05 ) and the differences in bmi reduction were highly significant at 16th and 24th weeks ( p  0.001).conclusion : the results of the present study strongly recommend the life - style management to be incorporated in daily style of postmenopausal women under controlled supervision . 
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Inclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria
Specific investigations
Group I
Dietary interventions as per the diet chart prepared by dietician
Exercise/physical activity
Group II
Efficacy assessments
Statistical analysis
RESULTS
Efficacy assessments
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION