Scientific  studies  over 7 years  extending from pre – menopause to  4  years  post  menopause  confirm the  tendency to modest  weight gain in association with   hormonal  changes..  Subsequent trials  have demonstrated  that   modest  lifestyle  intervention can   contain  or   reduce the  weight gain to a minimum  over  5  year trials post onset of menopause. This could be achieved by maintaining a diet of 1300 kcal/day and an increase in energy expenditure 1000-1500 kcal/week more than their usual energy expenditure. Diets with an emphasis on increased protein and   lower carbohydrate and fats were useful.

Women who were already overweight prior to menopause were more likely to have menopausal weight gain.