The effects of various training methods on the prevention and treatment of menopausal symptoms and complications – with particular regard to increases in BMI and abdominal fat mass

Middle-aged women, as they grow older, their body weight increases proportionally by an average of 2.1 kg/year, regardless of their menopausal status (Sternfeld et al. 2004). The weight gain often associated with menopause can be mitigated or prevented through regular physical activity. However, discrepancies can be observed in the international literature regarding the determination of the quantitative and qualitative criteria for the physical activity required to achieve this. A more detailed examination of this topic is particularly warranted, as with advancing age – due to the onset of various chronic diseases – the range of exercises that can be performed, as well as the methods of performing them, may gradually narrow. At the same time, however, it is precisely those forms of exercise and training methods that place a greater strain on the body that have a significant risk-reducing effect on menopausal symptoms and complications. The aim of this study is to present the factors influencing menopausal symptoms and complications, to draw attention to forms of exercise and training methods that positively influence menopausal symptoms, and to explore the mechanisms of action of the applied research methods (training tools). With particular regard to the ease of the preventive approach, as well as the difficulties of treatment and rehabilitation.