Plant-rich diets could lower weight gain during menopause

Women who eat more plant-based, low insulinemic foods may be able to ward off weight gain and lower their obesity risk during menopause. A new, 12-year study involving more than 38,000 women published in JAMA Network Open finds that the Planetary Health Diet — mostly plant-based with limited amount of red meat, dairy and sugar — was associated with a 54% lower risk of developing obesity. Women on a low-insulinemic dietary pattern (think heathy fats, fiber and protein with little refined sugars and starches) also gained less weight. Researchers studied 11 different dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean diet and DASH, noting that research on overall dietary patterns during menopause is “sparse.”