Perimenopause and Weight Gain
Perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause, can bring about various physical changes in women, including weight gain. Alongside symptoms such as hot flashes, decreased libido, and irregular periods, many women in this stage experience fluctuations in hormone levels. Research suggests that low levels of estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause may increase the risk of obesity.
Another contributing factor to weight gain during perimenopause is the irregular production of hormones related to appetite. This hormonal imbalance can lead to an increase in caloric intake. A study found that women in perimenopause have higher levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin compared to both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.
Furthermore, the decrease in estrogen levels during perimenopause can impact the functioning of neuropeptide Y and leptin, hormones that are responsible for regulating satiety. This disruption may also contribute to weight gain during this phase.
Can Viral Infections Lead to Weight Gain?
In certain instances, weight gain can be attributed to viral infections. Some microbes have the ability to stimulate the formation of fat cells, a process known as adipogenesis. The hypothesis of infectobesity suggests that infectious agents might be a contributing factor to obesity. One particular virus, human adenovirus-36 (AD-36), has garnered significant attention in research. Initially identified as the first virus capable of promoting adipogenesis, AD-36 primarily affects the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, predominantly in children. A study conducted in Finland discovered that individuals who gained excessive weight over a 29-year period were more likely to test positive for AD-36 compared to those who did not experience weight gain.