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Ep. 28 | Navigating Changes around Menopause and Body Composition

in-the-know-with-nina

podcast

Episode Summary

In this insightful episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley sits down with Dr. Emily Dhurandhar, Chief Scientific Officer at Obthera, to explore how menopause impacts body composition, metabolic health, and overall well-being. They discuss the challenges women face during this transitional phase and the role of data-informed, proactive strategies to maintain health and muscle mass.

Dr. Dhurandhar sheds light on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), noting its cardioprotective effects and the way it redistributes body fat from the abdomen to more protective areas. The conversation covers shifts in energy balance, appetite regulation, and muscle loss—and how lifestyle changes, strength training, and body composition assessment can help women navigate these changes with confidence and clarity.

Key Takeaways

Estrogen plays a critical role in fat distribution, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation—and its decline in menopause alters body composition.
Hormone replacement therapy may help redistribute fat and improve cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Menopause-related changes can decrease energy expenditure and increase appetite, often requiring nutrition and activity adjustments.
Monitoring body composition can guide decisions around medications, lifestyle changes, and strength training goals.
Behavioral goals can be more sustainable and empowering than outcome-focused goals.
Routine check-ins and baseline body composition assessments can help track progress and maintain motivation.

About Emily Dhurandhar, PhD

Emily Dhurandhar, PhD, is the Chief Scientific Officer at Obthera, Inc. With a background in academia and health technology, Dr. Dhurandhar specializes in obesity care and nutrition science. She has worked extensively in developing evidence-based dietary programs and is an advocate for proactive, data-informed approaches to managing weight and wellness, particularly during life stages like menopause.