Heart Health: Diet & Exercise
- A study from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland indicates that women experiencing disturbed eating behaviors and limited physical activity are more prone to accumulating central body fat.
- The research, part of the larger EsmiRs study, examined women ages 51 to 59 in Central Finland between 2018 and 2022.
- Hannamari Lankila, a doctoral researcher at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, noted the link between visceral fat and inflammation.
Women, prioritize your heart health: new research reveals the critical link between diet, exercise, and inflammation risk, notably after menopause. The study, conducted by the University of Jyväskylä in Finland, found that poor eating habits and low physical activity substantially increase visceral fat accumulation, a major driver of inflammation and cardiovascular issues. this is especially relevant as women experience hormonal shifts. The research indicates focusing on heart health is crucial during this time. It also pinpoints the connection between menopause and inflammation risk.The findings underscore the importance of both regular exercise and flexible eating habits in mitigating these risks. News Directory 3 emphasizes the findings to help you live a healthier life. Discover what’s next in this emerging field of research.
Exercise, Healthy Eating Habits Key to Reducing Inflammation Risk after Menopause
Updated June 12, 2025
A study from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland indicates that women experiencing disturbed eating behaviors and limited physical activity are more prone to accumulating central body fat. This increases thier risk of metabolic low-grade inflammation, a condition linked to cardiovascular diseases, especially after menopause.
The research, part of the larger EsmiRs study, examined women ages 51 to 59 in Central Finland between 2018 and 2022. It found that as menopause progresses and estrogen levels decline, body fat shifts from the hips and thighs to the midsection, increasing harmful visceral fat. This shift predisposes women to inflammation and cardiovascular issues.
Hannamari Lankila, a doctoral researcher at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, noted the link between visceral fat and inflammation. “In line with previous studies, a higher amount of visceral fat was, as expected, associated with low-grade inflammation,” Lankila saeid. “Visceral fat accumulated in the midsection secretes cytokines that increase inflammation, and this can increase the risk of metabolic diseases.”
The study, funded by the Academy of Finland and the Juho Vainio Foundation, used questionnaires to assess sleep, physical activity, and eating behaviors. The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) helped determine if participants restricted eating or had concerns about their weight and body shape.
Results showed that individuals with disordered eating habits and lower physical activity levels had more visceral fat, elevating their risk of inflammation. Higher physical activity was linked to lower visceral fat, especially in women without eating disorders. Lankila noted that the protective effect of exercise was diminished in those with eating-related difficulties.
While previous research has linked exercise and diet to inflammation, this study highlights the combined impact of health behaviors during menopause, a period when women face a considerably increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
The study emphasizes the importance of both physical activity and flexible eating habits in reducing visceral fat and preventing related health issues after menopause.
What’s next
Lankila suggests that even after menopause, reducing visceral fat accumulation is possible through consistent exercise and mindful eating, thereby preventing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.