09/08/2026
One of the biggest frustrations I hear from women in perimenopause is:
“My weight hasn’t really changed… but my body has.”
There’s actually research behind that.
A new 2026 review looked at 56 studies and found that during perimenopause, women can experience increased visceral fat, loss of lean muscle, reduced fat oxidation and changes in metabolic flexibility — even without significant weight gain.
Hormonal changes, particularly declining estrogen, appear to play a role in where we store fat, how we maintain muscle, insulin sensitivity and inflammation.
The good news? This is also an important window for prevention.
Resistance training, regular physical activity, adequate protein and fiber, and a Mediterranean-style diet were all highlighted as strategies that may help protect metabolic health through this transition.
The goal isn’t just keeping the number on the scale down. It’s preserving muscle, metabolic health and long-term health as our hormones change.
Reference:
Lobato VA, Minari TP, Pisani LP. Perimenopause and metabolic vulnerability: hormones, body composition and lifestyle changes. Climacteric. Published online August 24, 2026. doi:10.1080/13697137.2026.2713394. PMID: 42634879.