The role of physical activity in preventing obesity in midlife women

The Relationship between Postmenopausal Women’s Self-Esteem and Physical Activity Level—A Survey Study from Poland

Introduction: Physical inactivity has become one of the major public health and economic concerns in Western societies. The consequences of physical inactivity are associated with many physical problems, however, the influence of physical activity (PA) on psychological health is unclear. The aims of our study were to assess self-esteem and physical activity levels in postmenopausal women and to examine the association between physical activity levels and self-esteem in this group. Material and methods: Survey research was conducted on postmenopausal women aged M = 58.81 ± 7.68 in women’s health clinics in Silesia, Poland. The total number of participants was 131, and 18 were excluded. A questionnaire with socio-demographic data and other international questionnaires were used: International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Beck Depression inventory. Results: 78.76% of postmenopausal women were physically active. Mean value of MET-min/week was M = 1543.46 ± 1060.92. A total of 11.51% of women reported low self-esteem, with the mean total value of SES M = 31.79 ± 2.93. There was a lack of correlation between total IPAQ score and self-esteem (r = −0.241, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Postmenopausal women have mostly average self-esteem. They are generally active, and walking is the most common form of physical activity, however, a higher PA level does not influence self-esteem.

Weight control practices among the Saudi Arabian population during the Covid-19 lockdown

Objectives:

Physical activity appears to be essential to maintain health during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically for those at high risk, because of its advantages mentally as well as physically. This study determines weight control behaviors among the Saudi population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

The study was a cross-sectional survey of Saudis aged 18–60 and residents in the country during the lockdown period. The study sample was 384 people obtained from the Leslie formula for sample size calculations. The population covered all Saudi regions.

Results:

A total of 397 people responded to the survey. Among these people, 196 (49.4%) were male and 201 (50.6%) were female. The majority of them were urban residents (288; 72.5%). One hundred seventy-five (44.1%) had engaged in healthy behavior for weight control during the COVID-19. Factors that significantly affected these healthy behaviors were gender, employment, and educational level (P value <0.05). During pandemic, certain activities and behaviors were affected (P value < 0.05), including smoking (36; 9.1%), exercising (255; 64.2%), dieting for weight loss (98; 24.7%), dieting for weight maintenance (102; 25.7%), regular dieting before COVID-19 (112; 28.2%), and maintaining exercise after pandemic (194; 48.9%). Other significantly affected healthy behaviors were decreasing food intake (301; 75.8%; P value 0.01) and eating less meat (200; 50.4%; P value 0.00).

Conclusions:

Healthy behavior for weight control during the COVID-19 pandemic was reported by less than half of the study population. Minority (15.6%) engaged in at least one unhealthy or extreme weight loss practice. Healthy behavior was significantly influenced by gender, employment, and educational level.

Prevalence and associated risk factors for sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women: a study from Iran

BACKGROUND

Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is a distressing condition linked to menopause. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and contributing factors for FSD among postmenopausal women.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of postmenopausal women attending a gynecology clinic in a teaching hospital affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences was enrolled into the study. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess sexual function. In addition, demographic and psychosocial information were recorded. The association between sexual function and anxiety and depression were examined to explore the data.

RESULTS

In all 162 postmenopausal women were studied. We performed general linear regression analysis to assess the relationship between sexual function and anxiety while including demographic variables in the model. The results showed that the model could explain about 46% of the variance observed in sexual function (adjusted R2 = 0.467). The analysis indicated that among independent variables, age (p <  0.001), sexual frequency (p <  0.001), and anxiety (p = 0.003) were significant contributing factors associated with sexual function. A similar analysis evaluating the relationship between sexual function and depression in menopausal women found that age (p <  0.001), sexual frequency (p <  0.001), and depression (p = 0.003), were significant contributing factors associated with sexual function; explaining about 46% of the variance observed (adjusted R2 = 0.466).

CONCLUSION

The findings showed that nearly half of menopausal women had sexual dysfunction in this convenience sample of women seeking gynecologic care. Women reporting sexual dysfunction also reported a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression. Indeed, recognition of such factors requires a holistic therapeutic approach to sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women.

Physical Activity Level and Self-Esteem in Middle-Aged Women

Background: Physical activity (PA) is a behavioral modality that may help decrease negative symptoms of menopause and enhance some positive aspects of mental health, including self-esteem. Reduced self-esteem may put menopausal women at higher risk of negative outcomes of menopause and result in a more unpleasant and stressful menopausal experience. The objective of this study was to examine the role of physical activity level on self-esteem in middle-aged women. Methods: Women aged 45-60 from Poland took part in this study. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Menopause Rating Scale and Beck Depression Inventory were used in this study. Results: Among the 111 women, the mean age was 51.7 ± 4.7. The most severe symptoms among studied women concerned sexual problems (1.71 ± 1.5), irritability (1.58 ± 1.37) and joint and muscular discomfort (1.56 ± 1.55). Women with higher total PA level had better self-esteem (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that physical activity levels can be associated with self-esteem. Most middle-aged women reported high physical activity levels. These results have clinical implications for the inclusion of PA in the lives of middle-aged women to improve self-esteem and mental health.

Sexual Dysfunction in Menopausal Women

INTRODUCTION

Hormone-related changes in menopause may negatively affect sexual function.

AIM

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate sexual functioning in Polish women with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The secondary aim was to evaluate the major factors affecting sexual functions in middle-aged Polish women.

METHODS

The Menopause Rating Scale was used to assess the menopausal symptoms. The Polish translation of the FSFI was used to assess sexual function.

OUTCOMES

69.73% of respondents had sexual dysfunction according to FSFI (FSFI score ≤ 26.55).

RESULTS

80.61% of women experienced menopausal symptoms during the 4-week period of study. Psychological and urogenital symptoms were the most frequently reported among all the women enrolled in the study (78.23% and 77.21%). Sexual problems were observed in women who did not use hormone therapy (β = 0.09, t = -1.97, P = .048) and showed no somatic symptoms (β = 0.03, t = 2.95, P = .002).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

It is important for health care providers to ask women about this problem and understand the factors that may influence sexual problems in menopause.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

A validated survey tool was used. The limitation was selection of participants in the clinical setting and sample population size.

CONCLUSION

Sexual problems were much more common in women who did not use hormone therapy and showed no somatic symptoms. Dąbrowska-Galas M, Dąbrowska J, Michalski B. Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Sexual Problems Among Polish Middle-Aged Women. Sex Med 2019;7:472-479.

High Physical Activity Level May Reduce Menopausal Symptoms

Background and Objectives: Menopause is a normal physiological change occurring at a woman's mid-life. During this time, women experience vasomotor, physical and physiological problems, which reduce their quality of life. Many women are searching for different, alternative methods to reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms. Physical activity (PA) is one of the recommended methods to reduce menopausal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between specific domains (physical activity during leisure time, at work, during transportation and household activities) and the menopausal symptoms. Materials and Methods: We included 305 women aged 40-65 in the study. All participants were divided into three groups according to menopausal status. The research tools used were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess physical activity level in four domains and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms. The data analysis was performed by Chi-square test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tuckey test. Results: Menopausal stage was significantly associated with the total MRS score (p < 0.001) and specifically the urogenital and somato-vegetative subscores (p < 0.001). Physical activity was significantly associated (p < 0.001) with leisure time (according to IPAQ domains). Most postmenopausal women had high PA level (59.66%). Significantly less women with high PA levels had severe urogenital symptoms: 10.82% of participant with a low PA level, 11.15% with a moderate PA level and 4.26% with a high PA level (p = 0.046). Conclusions: Physical activity during leisure time is associated to menopausal symptoms in Polish women. Women with high and moderate PA levels have less severe menopausal symptoms compared to inactive women. Middle-aged women with low PA levels at work suffer from more severe somato-vegetative symptoms.

8-Prenylnaringenin from hop (Humulus lupulus L.) – a panacea for menopause?

8-Prenylnaryngenin (8-PN) is the strongest known phytoestrogen (PE). Its main source is the female inflorescences of hops (Humulus lupulus L.). 8-PN, which, in contrast to other PEs, is proven to have stronger activity and higher affinity for the α subtype of estrogen receptor (ER). Therefore, it may be an effective substitute for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The studies in postmenopausal women have shown its particular effectiveness in reducing hot flashes. However, a strong stimulation of uterus by 8-PN may be associated with the occurrence of adverse effects (eg. bleeding) and increase the risk of carcinogenesis. The H. lupulus extracts preparations are currently supplements which makes control of the doses used and thus increases the occurrence of uncontrolled self-treatment difficult. This paper presents the current knowledge on 8-PN and discusses the potential risks associated with use of hops to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.

Implementation and Feasibility of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome (ePRO) Data Entry in the PRAEGNANT Real-Time Advanced and Metastatic Breast Cancer Registry

PURPOSE

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have been incorporated into clinical trials for many symptoms and medical conditions. A transition from paper-based capture of PROs to electronic PROs (ePROs) has recently started. This study reports on the feasibility of ePRO assessment in a prospective registry including molecular data for patients with advanced breast cancer.

METHODS

As part of the PRAEGNANT network, patients were invited by clinical trial staff, physicians, and nurses to complete three standardized Internet-based questionnaires (EQ 5D 5 L, CES-D and IPAQ). Feasibility was assessed by the staff members who assigned the user accounts by the patients. The completeness of the questionnaires was also assessed.

RESULTS

Fifteen of 17 patients who were asked agreed to participate to complete the PRO questionnaires (EQ-5D-5L and CES-D). However, the IPAQ (physical activity) questionnaire was only validly completed by 9 patients. Feasibility was ranked better by the physicians and dedicated clinical trial staff than by the nursing staff.

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporating ePRO questionnaires into an advanced breast cancer registry is feasible, and no major hurdles were reported. Involving stakeholders from the start, the application is tailored to the capacities and abilities of both patients and clinical staff. The patients' compliance was better with some questionnaires, but others may present difficulties.

Active transport and obesity prevention - A transportation sector obesity impact scoping review and assessment for Melbourne, Australia

Given the alarming prevalence of obesity worldwide and the need for interventions to halt the growing epidemic, more evidence on the role and impact of transport interventions for obesity prevention is required. This study conducts a scoping review of the current evidence of association between modes of transport (motor vehicle, walking, cycling and public transport) and obesity-related outcomes. Eleven reviews and thirty-three primary studies exploring associations between transport behaviours and obesity were identified. Cohort simulation Markov modelling was used to estimate the effects of body mass index (BMI) change on health outcomes and health care costs of diseases causally related to obesity in the Melbourne, Australia population. Results suggest that evidence for an obesity effect of transport behaviours is inconclusive (29% of published studies reported expected associations, 33% mixed associations), and any potential BMI effect is likely to be relatively small. Hypothetical scenario analyses suggest that active transport interventions may contribute small but significant obesity-related health benefits across populations (approximately 65 health adjusted life years gained per year). Therefore active transport interventions that are low cost and targeted to those most amenable to modal switch are the most likely to be effective and cost-effective from an obesity prevention perspective. The uncertain but potentially significant opportunity for health benefits warrants the collection of more and better quality evidence to fully understand the potential relationships between transport behaviours and obesity. Such evidence would contribute to the obesity prevention dialogue and inform policy across the transportation, health and environmental sectors.

Stages of change of behavior in women on a multi-professional program for treatment of obesity

Objective:

to ascertain the effectiveness of an intervention program in relation to anthropometric measurements and stage of readiness for behavioral change in women with excess weight.

Methods:

the intervention group (IG) was made up of 13 women, and the control group (CG), by 20. The intervention lasted 16 weeks, and included the practice of guided physical activity three times a week, and health education once a week. The application of the questionnaire on stage of readiness for behavioral change, and the anthropometric evaluations, were undertaken at two points - before and after the period of intervention. The statistical analysis involved tests of comparison and association.

Results:

in general, at the first point, the participants in the two groups were predisposed to make changes in what they ate and in their physical activity. However, significant difference was only observed in relation to weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist-hip ratio and readiness for change among the members of the intervention group.

Conclusion:

the intervention programmed was effective in weight loss, reduction of waist circumference and waist-hip ratio, and in changing behaviors related to the practicing of physical exercise and eating habits.