Eating Behavior, Body Image, Obesity Relation with Menopausal Symptoms and Life Quality

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 3, 504 - 515, 30.09.2025

Ecem Fidan , Ceren Gezer

https://doi.org/10.30621/jbachs.1661106

Abstract

Eating Behavior, Body Image, Obesity Relation with Menopausal Symptoms and Life Quality

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationship between eating behavior, body image, and obesity with menopausal symptoms and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Methods: A total of 384 postmenopausal women participated in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face questionnaires, including the Menopause Symptoms Assessment Scale, Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale, Eating Attitudes Test, and Body Perception Scale. Anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, waist, and hip circumferences were taken according to standard techniques.

Results: Increased body mass index (BMI) was associated with more severe menopausal symptoms and lower physical and sexual quality of life (p<0.05). Higher body satisfaction correlated with fewer menopausal complaints and improved overall quality of life (p<0.05).A 1-unit decrease in the BPS score is related to a 0.331-unit decrease in the MRS score (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Postmenopausal women with a higher tendency toward obesity experience lower body satisfaction, more pronounced menopausal symptoms, and a reduced quality of life. Further multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to strengthen the evidence.

Keywords

menopause , quality of life , eating behavior , body image

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