As women age, declining estrogen levels can cause body fat to shift toward a decrease in VAT
True
False
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is False.
As women age, particularly during menopause, declining estrogen levels typically lead to an increase in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), not a decrease. VAT is the fat stored around the internal organs, and its accumulation can increase the risk of metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. This shift in fat distribution occurs because estrogen plays a key role in regulating fat storage and metabolism, particularly in the abdominal area.
Before menopause, women tend to have more subcutaneous fat, which is stored just beneath the skin, particularly around the hips and thighs. This distribution is largely influenced by estrogen. However, as estrogen levels decline during and after menopause, women often experience an increase in abdominal fat, and the fat distribution shifts more toward the abdomen. This is why many women report gaining weight in the abdominal area as they age.
Visceral fat is metabolically active and more harmful than subcutaneous fat. It can lead to increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and an elevated risk of cardiovascular problems. This change in fat distribution is one of the reasons why the risk of certain health conditions rises in postmenopausal women.
In conclusion, rather than a decrease in VAT, the reduction in estrogen levels usually results in an increase in VAT, contributing to the redistribution of body fat and associated health risks.