Obesity and low levels of physical activity are associated with a decreased health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women: a Wroclaw pilot study

Abstract

Background: Menopause is associated with numerous somatic dysfunctions, an increased risk of chronic diseases, and complications in the mental and social components of health that lower the quality of life (QoL). Obesity and related comorbidities affect over 60% of postmenopausal women in Poland. A significant role for systematic physical activity (PA) in the prevention of dysfunctions and chronic diseases, including obesity and mental disorders, has been observed previously. A low level of PA is observed across the Polish population, especially in postmenopausal women. Aim of the study: To examine QoL in postmenopausal women participating in a community health promotion program as it relates to obesity and levels of PA. Material and methods: The study sample consisted of 76 postmenopausal women (aged 65.75±5.14 years) participating in the Active Wrocław 55+ program. Before starting the program, anthropometric measurements were taken, and QoL and PA were assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), respectively. Results: Most women had a PA level above 600 MET -min/week (78.95%), and were overweight or obese (86.84%). A waist circumference over 80 cm, indicating an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, was observed in 85.89% of the participants. BMI and waist circumference negatively correlated with the level of PA (p=0.001 and p=0.017, respectively). Women exhibiting low levels of PA and higher BMIs showed a significantly lower QoL compared to those with higher PA and lower BMIs, particularly with regard to the physical domains of QoL. Conclusions: Obesity and a low level of PA are associated with a significant decline in the health-related QoL (especially in the PF and PCS domains) of postmenopausal women an urban setting.

Level of adherence to diet and physical activity among menopausal women and influencing factors in Jordan: a descriptive cross-sectional study

“…This result is consistent with that of a previous study that showed that the majority of the female participants did not engage in physical activity (14,32). By contrast, Lewandowska et al (19) reported that the majority of the participants in their study had an adequate level of exercise, that is, more than 600 metabolic equivalents min/week.…”

“…This result is similar to that of a previous study in Jordan that reported that most of the female participants had a BSC degree (1,8). Previous studies also found that most of the female participants completed primary education or had an education level that was below high school (9,19,25,32,33,41,43).…”

“…However, Assaf et al (1) reported that most women in Jordan were employed and had five or more children. Other studies reported that most menopausal women were retired and had two children (19). Employment can increase a woman's total family income and empowerment (1).…”

“…Therefore, the proper conditioning of menopausal women's bodies is important to alleviate symptoms and prevent chronic diseases (17). However, several studies found that regular exercise and food control can alleviate menopausal symptoms and enhance quality of life (18), and obesity and lack of physical activity are associated with decreased quality of life (19).…”

“…Conversely, insufficient diet and poor physical activity can lead to weight gain and obesity (24), which can increase risk of metabolic diseases and metabolic syndrome and decrease quality of life (6,19). Therefore, women must maintain a healthy lifestyle, including engaging in exercise; eating low-calorie and low-sodium foods, food that contains appropriate amounts of calcium and vitamin D and fruits, vegetables and fish; and avoiding smoking (25).…”