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Menopausal Fat Redistribution

Meaning

Menopausal Fat Redistribution describes the profound, hormonally driven shift in adipose tissue deposition that occurs in women during the perimenopausal and postmenopausal transitions. This phenomenon is characterized by a preferential relocation of fat from the subcutaneous stores in the hips and thighs (gynoid pattern) to the central, intra-abdominal area, resulting in increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation. This change in body composition, independent of total weight gain, is a significant clinical concern because it is directly associated with an elevated risk of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease. Understanding this shift is central to managing postmenopausal metabolic health.