Exercise and weight loss Decreasing activity levels and metabolic changes can lead to weight gain at menopause, the resulting weight gain can lead to increased risk of heart disease, especially as it is concentrated around the waist, rather than around the hips. It is also a fact postmenopausal women can lose weight, reduce total body fat, increase muscle mass, and improve cardiovascular stamina through regular exercise. A recent US study compared pre- to postmenopausal women over a six month exercise regime that consisted of walking, jogging and light weight training, and the results showed no difference in the ability of either of the two groups to lose weight or improve their cardiovascular stamina. A fat common among postmenopausal women is intra-abdominal fat, this builds up among the internal organs, and is not visible externally. Intra abdominal fat is particularly associated with an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. In studies of previously inactive post menopausal women results have shown, that even small amounts of aerobic exercises will reduce intra-abdominal fat even though the externally visible fat may not show a loss, proving that even without large weight loss fitness levels are vastly improved thus reducing the risk of chronic disease. Dieting to reduce calorie intake will achieve weight loss, but the rate at which the weight is lost slows with time because fat is not oxidized as the body seeks to maintain fat reserves. Weight loss alone will not increase fitness and in post menopausal women can actually lead to bone density loss, in most areas but more pronounced in the vulnerable areas such as the hip. Exercise and increased muscle mass is thought in turn to increase bone density. Bone Loss See how natural progesterone is helping prevent Bone Loss. Fast Weight Loss Plan