How body fat impacts health and aging | Prof. Deborah Clegg and Dr. Sarah Berry

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As we age, the distribution of our body fat changes, particularly around menopause.
Most people think of body fat as bad, but fat tissue plays a number of hugely important roles in our health.
In today’s episode of ZOE Science and Nutrition, Jonathan is joined by Dr. Sarah Berry and Prof. Deborah Clegg. Together, they debunk the myth that fat is bad, enlighten us about why body fat is distributed where it is, and explore the differences in fat distribution between men and women.
Deborah Clegg is a professor and Vice President for Research at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso. Her research focuses on sex differences in metabolism, adipose tissue, and the brain and the impact this has on our health. Dr. Sarah Berry is one of the world's leading experts on human nutrition. She has run more than 20 randomized clinical trials looking at how humans respond to different fats.
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Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
04:00 What is body fat?
06:32 What is healthy fat?
07:52 Female vs male body fat
11:56 Why is belly fat the most unhealthy?
19:43 Waist to hip ratio
21:24 How estrogen affects fat distribution
27:41 Perimenopause symptoms
31:01 Fat cells producing estrogen
36:00 Hunger the menopause
38:46 Weight gain and the menopause
40:54 Physical changes in men
42:28 Exercise and fat distribution
43:26 What to eat during menopause
46:37 Estrogen supplements
Mentioned in today’s episode:
The evolutionary impact and influence of oestrogens on adipose tissue structure and function. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B 2023
Link: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37482...
Menopause is associated with postprandial metabolism, metabolic health and lifestyle: The ZOE PREDICT study. EBioMedicine 2022
Link: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Episode transcripts are available here: zoe.com/learn/category/podcasts
Is there a nutrition topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at [e-mail] and we’ll do our best to cover it.

[@deMylistrahil]

Erm - what about those of us ladies who are already over that particular menopausal hill? Is there no hope for us?! Is it all too late?! I did put on weight during & after menopause - which otherwise didn't affect me very much, apart from a few hot flushes - but have lost it since thanks to Zoe & feel better in general than I did for years pre-menopause, to be honest. Seriously, it would be good to hear some advice for those of us past the menopause too.

[@SueE17]

Agree. I didn’t have HRT ( nobody told me about it) put on loads of weight especially in the belly area, but lost it all again.

[@kaysuter2221]

Disappointing that HRT is not so good for those of us who past menopause 😢

[@jaynepower4330]

Agree! We need to know why HRT is not useful for post menopausal women & whether soy based supplements might have some beneficial effect or the reverse. Twenty + years ago HRT came with a warning regarding increased risk of cancer & blood clots so many missed out.

[@melmo4660]

​@kaysuter2221 don't they say that HRT is useful after menopause as long as it is within 10 years?

[@jansmith3158]

see dr mindy pelz you tube channel = use fasting as a tool and also look into carnviore diet.

[@suzanne9581]

Fascinating discussion. Big thank you to Jonathan too for his helpful summaries throughout. These save me from having to rewind to make sure I correctly understood a particular point!

[@sharonmacnish9180]

At 71 years of age I have started on HRT, both the oestrogen low dose patch plus low dose progesterone tablet and an oestrogen vaginal ring. It has transformed so much in 3 months. I sleep well for the first time in 30 years and my bladder is strong again. I have significantly lower inflammatory levels that I did not expect to experience. I have no more brain fog whereas only 3 months ago I was concerned that my brain ageing was accelerating. Belly fat has not yet changed yet I notice this month that carb cravings are less and I am not battling with this. So we women need to voice our power, assert our rights and talk to a good female GP if it’s easier, but always insist on hormonal intervention for a 3 month trial as a start. The long term menopausal effects on our bones, mental health, sleep, bladder control, libido and overall body confidence are significant. On a future podcast I would love the role of testosterone to be discussed as we age and its effects on gut health, heart health and muscle strength for women and men.

[@suzanne9581]

Good for you! I’m thinking of doing the same at 69. Did you meet with initial resistance from your GP and out of interest how do you measure your inflammatory levels? I’ve never considered HRT before but after watching this video and reading comments such as yours and others of our age it’s seems clear that we need help and advice too!

[@sharonmacnish9180]

@@suzanne9581 I was lucky to find a GP in my practice who works on women’s issues so she was supportive. But I went armed with information and was read at to do battle. What I discovered from her is that my ovaries would have stopped their work by about 60, and that while the adrenals and fat stores can do a bit but there is precious little research on ageing women -no surprises there. What she was clear about from the minimal research available is that older women will not get the cardiovascular benefit of HRT that a younger woman will get but that all ages will need the progesterone to protect the uterus once on HRT. She said I will likely be on treatment for life to maintain benefit, but the low dose hormonal research is not extensive yet. With regard to inflammation , this is a subjective measure of pain levels and mobility. I have dropped from a 6 on my personal pain scale (1-10), to 1. I no longer go down each step carefully and with both feet, my knees now allow me to walk down correctly but slowly. My fitness and gym attendance has not changed so can only assume that hormonal balance has produced a strong anti inflammatory response. There is nothing to loose for a trial unless there are other health issues that prevent treatment. Good luck with this. I wish I had done this years ago but now the information is reaching us.

[@PeppermintPatties]

Thank you for your comment, because I'm perimenopausal at 52 and gathering info about when/how to ask GP for HRT, and I didn't know it could be prescribed to people in their 70s. Very helpful. ❤️

[@sharonmacnish9180]

@@CM-yo9jk oh dear, there is a long way to go with this. I had an early menopause and have battled with symptoms for over 30 years so that is a long window! So now at 71 I am just relieved and content with my decisions to get started on HRT and stay on it. Not everyone needs it, not everyone wants it but we are all unique and bring our history and experience to the table . In my case the treatment has worked wonderfully. But I am a little shocked that you have been refused NHS help and you may want to revisit this with a different doctor. The shorter term benefits for younger women are well researched and documented. I hope your journey becomes easier now that you are being helped.

[@Sunnysue31]

You are the PUSH I needed... Thank you for your comments ... Ringing my GP today 😊🤞

[@annetcell-ly4571]

I’m 68. I wished I’d known about insulin resistance occurring around menopause but it probably wasn’t known or researched back then. I would have gone cold turkey on all carbohydrates and sugar if I’d known. A lot of women still don’t know. Also, HRT is much more refined now than it used to be. I’m keto now and go to the gym 2-3 times per week ( because I can) and I am concentrating on metabolic health and protein as I age. Good luck ladies.

[@indranidasgupta8982]

Do you strength train?

[@lynnritchie231]

We NEED carbs and not all carbs are equal.

[@floatingisland544]

Dr. Louise Newson briefly touched on the estrogen being produced in fattcells during the perimenopause in a podcast recently. She also mentioned as stated in this podcast that that is why your body holds extra fat, because you need the estrogen that your overaries, are making less off, or not making anymore at all. She also mentioned that this particular fatcell estrogen is pro-inflammatory and increases cancer risk. So that being quite the opposite of the oestrogen your ovaries produce, which is anti-inflammatory and lowers cancer risks. And when you use HRT, your body can use those anti-inflamatory hormones and there is no need for extra fat storage to create more estrogen. It's good this podcast mentions the different types of estrogen, because that can really create confusion. But what I'd like to know now, is do your fatcells only produce one type of estrogen and what other hormones do they produce. Part of the problem is with so few women being prescribed HRT, is that the information inserts that come with the body identical transdermal HRT, is outdated it's the same information that was used for the older pill type and based on old now proven inaccurate research.....but because of this some Doctors are still scared to prescribe it....and of course it scares women who read it.....

[@loomcc70]

Thank you for the clear explanation. It's just appalling that HRT for menopause is still the source of such fear and misinformation.

[@janetblanchard7]

Exactly

[@janetblanchard7]

@@loomcc70 Very true. Bioidentical plant based hormones are completely different than from a mare's urine that's the old icky dangerous one that's also in all hormonal birth control

[@ingridmorgan7893]

My understanding from that part of the podcast is that estrogen increases with the fat but the jury is out on whether it is a good thing or not. Just because we produce estrogen with the increased fat there is NO guarantee that it is good for us. It just means they know that is happening.

[@floatingisland544]

@@ingridmorgan7893 Ok, thanks for the explanation.

[@JonelleDickowVillar]

Excellent episode! But tell us Jonathan, what is your secret to presenting such thorough summaries? The summary following this talk left me in awe of your attention span 😊.

[@athomeinRwanda]

I'm so glad that there is a lot more discussion of menopause and HRT these days. I would like to suggest that you interview Dr Louise Newson, founder of the Newson Health Menopause & Wellbeing Centre in the UK. Thank you - this is such a hugely important subject for older women.

[@janehughes581]

They already interviewed Louise Newson - about a year ago

[@user-rq7oy4sk8q]

Really interesting and makes absolute sense. Would've liked more direction for post menopausal women who often struggle into 70's

[@merlion6613]

Once I realised my periods started to change around the age of 45, I started to workout more intensely and became even more careful with what I eat. I have always been very conscious of my diet. I probably put on 4-5 kg compared to when I was 25, but not more. I have always had high hip-waist ratio naturally. I may be just vain, but I don’t like being fat and will do whatever I can to stay fit.

[@SoilRanger]

Wow well done, here is you medal

[@01jausten]

A month later, I’m reading through the comments of post menopausal women. We’ve been so let down, as usual, by the medical/science community and are trying to catch up. The judgement that comes from society regarding our body shape, when there’s not much we can do about it. I went through menopause at 48 (breast cancer. Oestrogen sensitive). At 59 the assumption that my diet is unhealthy or that I’m lazy because my liver is fatty, by the medical profession and society in general, angers me. At 170cm I weigh 74 kg. Still trying to lose weight. I could do without the judgment. I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels this way. PS. I’m married to a medical doctor.😉

[@susanchristian1665]

Exercise is really important, and effective. I took up resistance training (weights) 3 years ago when I was 72. Very quickly it had an effect on my shape. It didn't affect my weight very much, but my shape now is very diffeenct from when I started, and I've lost about 10 centimetres around my waist. I do eat what I consider to be a healthy diet, but that hasn't substantially changed over the three years, other than I'm possibly satisfied with slightly less.

[@Sunnysue31]

Hi... I would love to know how you started your resistance training... I'm 66 and need to start somewhere ... No Gym's though, I need something I can do at home...

[@musicloverUK]

​@@Sunnysue31we have free weights we keep in the lounge. You can buy weights you strap to your legs too.

[@kaylagautereaux]

Such a great interview!! I’d love to see content on periods, pregnancy, and breastfeeding and how those impact our health.

[@suewatson1763]

That was so super interesting and has explained many things to me as a Post menopausal woman. Always having been thin with a low body ratio suddenly I put on weight on my belly. Changing my breakfast to what I call the standard Zoe or Tim's breakfast has really made a big difference plus I've reluctantly gone back to the gym to build muscle mass. To all those women who envy my lack of hips and thighs I will tell them to listen to this podcast.

[@mnblume.]

What's the zoe breakfast?

[@michellemildwater1021]

I am a 73 old woman very healthy and has never had weight on my hips and thighs. I bike everyday, winter swim and I do not have insulin resistance, low cholesterol but eats lots of cream and butter , low blood pressure . ??? I have never had a tiny waist, straight down and up. I have always carried a little more around my waist and breasts. So lets not generalize.

[@caroneast]

Same for me. So annoying

[@tkspiece2310]

I think it is fair to generalise, considering majority of women globally fit into the norm as described. Calling yourself out and possibly what might account for less than 10% of women around the world is just petulant and somewhat attention seeking. Yes you are not the norm, there is always a % variance to the norm, goes without saying, but there is a norm, hence we generalise. If what you're telling us is that you have a male body type, fine, but majority of women don't.

[@clarepotter7584]

Not all women are 'pear shaped'. I don't and never have stored much weight around my hips or thighs. None of the women in my family regardless of weight, have much of a hip/waist ratio. An interesting video.

[@Monicalala]

Totally true. When I was overweight my hips were 37 inches in circumference. Now that I’m a size 2/4 they’re 36 inches.

[@raraavis7782]

Yes, that. No one ever adresses the fact, that some women start out being built like that. I've never been curvy or pear shaped. I look like typical a 90s model when thin (tall, long legged and vaguely athletic) and like a pregnant giraffe, when I gain weight. All extra weight goes straight to my waistline.

[@paganqueen1]

I had my last period at 36. I then became pregnant with my 4th child and have never had another period. During the 9 months I was pregnant and whilst breast feeding I went through my menopause. I said to a friend one day that I was having hot flushes and we joked that maybe it was my menopause. After I finished breast feeding and there was still no sign of my periods I went to my GP who said I was menopausal. I was 37. After doing some research, I found that all the women on my mothers side had early menopause. It seems it's getting earlier as the generations go by. I have 3 daughters. The eldest is 28, we are waiting to see when her menopause starts.

[@user-vp2hs6nl7n]

Very interesting discussion and science but I agree about the misleading thumbnail. It conflicts strongly with overwhelming science that tells us obesity is bad for us! Come on Zoe- this is basic! Or is it just click bait?! Disappointing!

[@skippy6462]

"Soy ... Tofu, soymilk, miso, tempeh, edamame-these and other soy products, including the soybeans themselves, are high in nutrients you tend to associate with other legumes, including fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, protein, and zinc. Soybeans naturally contain a class of phytoestrogens called isoflavones. People hear the word “estrogen” in the word “phytoestrogens” and assume that means soy has estrogen-like effects. Not necessarily. Estrogen has positive effects in some tissues and potentially negative effects in others. For example, high levels of estrogen can be good for the bones but can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Ideally, you’d like what’s called a “selective estrogen receptor modulator” in your body that would have proestrogenic effects in some tissues and antiestrogenic effects in others. Well, that’s what soy phytoestrogens appear to be. Soy seems to lower breast cancer risk, an antiestrogenic effect, but can also help reduce menopausal hot-flash symptoms, a proestrogenic effect. So, you may be able to enjoy the best of both worlds. What about women with breast cancer? Overall, researchers have found that women diagnosed with breast cancer who ate the most soy lived significantly longer and had a significantly lower risk of breast cancer recurrence than those who ate less. The quantity of phytoestrogens found in just a single cup of soymilk may reduce the risk of breast cancer returning by 25 percent. The improvement in survival for those eating more soy foods was found both in women whose tumors were responsive to estrogen (estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer) and those whose tumors were not (estrogen-receptor negative breast cancer). This also held true for both young women and older women. In one study, for example, 90 percent of the breast cancer patients who ate the most soy phytoestrogens after diagnosis were still alive five years later, while half of those who ate little to no soy were dead. Soy consumption has also been shown to benefit our kidneys, which appear to handle plant protein very differently from animal protein. Within hours of eating meat, our kidneys rev up into hyperfiltration mode. But, an equivalent amount of plant protein causes virtually no noticeable stress on the kidneys. Eat some tuna, and within three hours, your kidney filtration rate can shoot up 36 percent. But eating the same amount of protein in the form of tofu doesn’t appear to place any additional strain on the kidneys". Dr Michael Greger

[@annaklaus8377]

Absolutely loved this, thank you.

[@simon22273Z]

Texas Lone Star State 🎉 lurved Dallas when working for EDS... Lurve Zoe podcasts and your presentation styles, contents are EVEN BETTER.. Great visiting Guests and Sarah, as Tim and yourself the Best

[@user-jx3vp6wr8x]

Thank you, so informative. Sadly I have just had to stop taking HRT due to breast cancer, and wow I have noticed such a change in my body and metabolism

[@jeanmetcalfe786]

Yes,this happened to me now wonder if hrt was worth it

[@derosaorbea]

Thank you for this very informative podcast

[@caroneast]

All the women in my family have no fat on our hips and thighs but some around out stomachs. That goes against what she's is saying. Annoying.

[@suelangdon7738]

This is a very enlightening podcast and has lifted a huge weight! off my mind. Hopefully we can be more forgiving to ourselves and each other. Vocal and unspoken ( but obvious) fat shaming has hurt so many people, especially women, in our culture . Thank you.

[@avg4015]

Alas, no extra tips that can help me battle the menopause symptoms (HRT is not common practice in my country). But I did learn more about the mechanism behind the menopause and the extra fat. I hope more information about menopause and health will be shared by ZOE in the future. Thumbs up for this podcast/talk.

[@pouranszekely-kiraly5076]

Just love this video thank you!

[@seattlegrrlie]

I've heard it a thousand times over, women gain in hips and thighs. No, "women" don't. I certainly never have. I gain it all over. Shoulders, arms, upper back, lower back, tummy, thighs, calves. When I lose, I lose the same way - everywhere

[@wendywilliams9893]

Great info as always Thanks as ever

[@jonismalle7666]

Thank you for your awesome programs

[@maggieframpton5435]

I really love listening to your podcasts, they have already made such huge differences in my life and health. I do have a slight comment that I hope you won't mind. Where I understand getting absolute clarity is a priority and sometimes a point comes up that needs to be followed, please oh please oh please go back to the bit that was just interrupted. So often your visitor is about to answer my question but is side tracked just at the brink and never goes back. Please don't get me wrong, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOU ALL but please consider coming back to points about to be made before interruption. Sorry, I really didn't want this to be a moan, love Maggie x

[@edelweiss9460]

Yes, i agree, this discussion could have been alot better with just the two doctors.

[@VeganFriendlyNutritionist]

Thank you so much for this interview. Absolutely fantastic. This is one. of the best health channels on youtube. I often watch and learn so much each time. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION AND FOR SHARING INFORMATION FREELY WITH US :-)

[@Monicalala]

I wish she discussed women with android/apple shaped body fat distribution.

[@juliepayn7696]

Excellent description and video.

[@HilaryC-A]

I am a 67 year old woman who has never put fat on my hips and thighs (still uk size 10) but it has always gone straight to my belly, and my waist size has always been quite close to hip size, so I feel there is quite a bit of generalising here.

[@smotka2009]

I agree with you. I am skinny but my fat would only accumulate on my belly.

[@dinamariea61]

Growing up with the typical American diet I suffered pms through out my reproductive years. When I reached 50 and was in the middle of peri-menopause I changed my diet to whole food plant based vegan and I sailed through menopause with zero symptoms. This way of eating also kept my weight at an acceptable BMI range with no calorie counting. At the age of 62 I am still symptom free. i eat tofu almost daily and whole plant foods, no animal products.

[@musicloverUK]

Just for info i elimiated pmt and most period pain with oil of evening tablets 30 years ago, this should be widely advocated. I've been advised Japanese women don't get menopause systems because of high soy diets, not through being vegan.

[@dinamariea61]

@@musicloverUK I am on a whole food plant based plant exclusive diet that includes soy in my diet every day. But when I first began I started out with general vegan foods and that still worked too. No menopausal symptoms. I do not use oil in my diet as oil is highly processed and is not a whole food.

[@lynnemslie3981]

48:43 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer (hormone related) I was told NOT to have HRT OR foods which encourage or contain estrogens. I didn’t notice this being mentioned in the discussion.

[@skilla2542]

Louise Newson has covered this. They have a booklet on HRT and breast cancer. According to my gynaecologist foods with oestrogen are not strong enough to have any effect on oestrogen levels. balance-menopause.com/uploads/2022/08/A-guide-to-Menopause-after-breast-cancer-10.08.pdf

[@Bond2025]

Unable to watch this if you are going to play loud music over people talking, it makes it difficult to hear them.

[@user-ym5ng6fk4z]

I would be really interested to hear the panels thoughts on women who go through surgical menopause with no perimenopausal phase, particularly those in their 30s.

[@jbach1841]

I had a dexascan done about a year ago for only $75 (USD). Very informative

[@Anita-wh4vr]

In my family women too are perimenopausal quite late and for many many years because of low COMT enzymes activity, which breaks down not only chatecholamins, but also estrogen and histamines which then leads to prolonged high estradiol levels including hormone active cysts.

[@lindanicklin]

In terms of hunter gatherer roles, archaeologist are starting to say that women as well as men hunted and other roles were shared. We have projected modern gender roles onto history

[@awdtw]

A lot of re-writing history going on too, making stuff up to fit a false narrative. Careful what you choose to believe in.

[@lisaglaze250]

I think the women still did the pregnancy breastfeeding thing

[@christinelaschet9242]

At the age of 69 a few years ago. I had a large benign ovarian cyst removed - the surgeon convinced me that it was best to have both ovaries removed so it didn’t happen again. He said ‘ why would a 69 year old woman want her ovaries ?’ He did remove both and guess what ? My tummy has increased radically - I live the same life style now as I did then . When will this kind of research be accessed by medical practitioners? I felt at the time it was not the right decision but felt obliged to agree with his request and let him remove both ovaries . Therefore any estrogen my body now makes is being done so by belly fat .☹

[@RoseSchwinn]

Thank you so much for showing us this. What bacteria do you use to ferment? I didn't see that

[@mariandonnelly1021]

Really interesting

[@sniperpd9505]

Jonathan's summaries are amazing. How does he do it?

[@Fair-to-Middling]

I get that you should have some body fat, but why show an obese person in the thumbnail?

[@chuckleezodiac24]

fat positivity movement. Get Woke!

[@Monicalala]

@@chuckleezodiac24fat positivity isn’t a “woke” sentiment.

[@seraphir4662]

I wish this interview had covered more about epidemiological research into obesity and its implication as a risk factor for disease. Much of the studies that I know of use obesity (and therefore BMI) as an indicator for risk, and there's several flaws in doing that. For example BMI is not an accurate measure of body fat %, let alone where it's stored. Furthermore even with an accurate measurement of body fat % and its storage locations these studies need to account for how that body fat is obtained; inactivity or unhealthy diet for example need to be factored into data processing before conclusions about body fat as a disease risk can be made. Would really have loved to see where the current research practices are today and what's changed over the last few decades.

[@wholefoodplantbasedmama5398]

The young woman in the middle of the panel reminds me strongly of Annie McDowell, she looks lovely. On a more serious note, i am enjoying this channel and the people they interview and how they interview them.

[@nicolaslade6733]

Am I correct in thinking that because I carry a lot of fat round my hips and thighs, when I went through menopause I hardly noticed it - maybe my fat gave me the extra progesterone that made the journey easier?

[@sharinaross1865]

Exercise or workout. Physical activity is important to my well being.

[@JR-qv4ro]

What am I looking for with the hip waist ratio please

[@johntimbrell]

Such a complicated subject. Were I to control the programme I would split it into two - one for males and one for females.

[@blott203]

Good info, but regarding foods, why is there no mention of how much better grass-fed animal meat is, compared to grain-fed e.g. the amount of vit K2 in grass-fed is vastly greater than that of grain-fed meat. Mike

[@ffionlarsen2599]

Facinating

[@nicolaslade6733]

So interesting. Since women have been included in research ideas have changed so much.

[@jegsthewegs]

I had Ovarian Cancer at aged 39. I had a Radical hysterectomy and bi lateral oophorectomy. My lower torso was basically "Emptied" have suffered with persistent depressive disorder, which has affected my whole body and life. My belly, after losing 12 stones in weight, is hanging and actually interferes with my exercising. I've gotta T2 Diabetes. So @64 I'M STUCK WITH THIS LOW HANGING BAG OF SKIN AND FAT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

[@user-dt3sc2tq4n]

What would be the predicted effect of having a very early and rapid menopause due to cancer treatment without HRT? Would this likely cause increased susceptibility to high cholesterol and decreased insulin sensitivity? If this is the case what is now being done to help cancer survivors to avoid problems consequent on their cncer treatment?

[@mav146fl]

Tamoxifen for 10 years. What effect has this had ? I worry that being in my 60s I now have the healthspan/ lifespan of someone in their 70s.

[@KathrynMcGuire-zy1ff]

How do you get the 10% discount?

[@mariad1151]

Wonder why so many professionals say "right?" after each sentence as though they are adolescents giving a speech in front of class or talking to their parents. Don't they realize how annoying it is? How childish? (Right?)

[@sarah.gilman]

As an apple-shaped woman who has always put on more weight around my middle (My mum's side of the family are all the same) rather than hips and thighs, I would like to know what more I can do. I'm obviously in the higher risk for pretty much everything category and I find my weight a constant struggle. I've been weight training for well over a year and been going to the gym for much longer than that and eat a very healthy diet. I have previously lost weight doing FAST800 and then continued with a Mediterranean diet. I am concerned, as I think that I'm perimenopausal, that I will put even more weight around my middle. I've signed up for the ZOE program, starting in January, in the hope that I will learn more about myself and find some answers.

[@raraavis7782]

Same. I've always stored fat mainly around the middle, even as a teenager. It's very frustrating, especially if every kilo makes you worry about possible health effects. And nothing I ever tried has changed this at all. I've always been physically active/fit and even did CrossFit for 4 years in my 30s. I was quite lean and muscular everwear, but my belly. While eating a Paleo-ish low carb diet. I ate strict keto for 2+ years. Didn't help. But whatever I do, I always loose the belly fat last and gain it back first. And at age 44, it's just gotten too exhausting, to fight my body 24/7. I dread, what full on menopause will do to me.

[@sarah.gilman]

@@raraavis7782 Thank you for replying. It really is frustrating. I feel like for the amount of time I've spent meal planning each week for as long as I can remember, I should have something to show for it but in reality the only time I've lost weight is with the Fast800 and restricting calories - and that is just not sustainable ( it's recommended for 12 week max with additional fortnights on 800 cals a day now and again). I still use the recipes from the Fast 800 books as they're good healthy recipes but I do feel like I'm slogging away doing the right things with no reward 😭.

[@indranidasgupta8982]

I’m the same. Apple shape throughout my life. When I was young, the term used was tomboy-ish shape with slim hips and thighs. Now, it’s all about the belly even though I’m still fairly slim. It’s my middle that feels round. I think it’s genetics, and it’s not something we can do a whole lot about. So I don’t stress out over it. I try to eat right and exercise and as long as the big numbers are under control - BP, sugar, etc… it’s not worth it to worry about so much.

[@ingridmorgan7893]

Wish they’d look at thin older women and see how they do compared to those of us who’ve gained a lot. What are their hormone levels? Are they healthier or less?

[@lesleygalpin4854]

She flew from Texas to talk to you? Please tell me it was for more than that!

[@theresatomasello1843]

?

[@Vivi-wz4gv]

Disappointing lack of substance in this discussion. The major message from the speaker seems to be to embrace your fat!.

[@ingridmorgan7893]

It is a really unsatisfying thing isn’t it. I feel gross. Psychologically it is damaging. I was thin and in five years I became fat. It just sucks.

[@Alecmcq]

Typical of Zoe…

[@pennywilliams1993]

What is a healthy waist hip ratio

[@ausmiku]

Not all true here. Fat cells are not "inert". We can't make new fat cells, our existing cells just fill up with more fat. There is no such thing as a "healthy" fat cell. All fat cells continually release inflammatory metabolites like myokines etc to some degree. And it's true that the oestrogen from fat cells can cause "man boobs" (George Constanza ?)

[@jacquelinearcher1158]

Ok I’ve ordered the Isoflavones

[@jellerzellar4588]

Very interesting!! I'm so excited to see all of the newer research on the female body. It's long over due!

[@anieth]

Careful with the phyto-estrogens. They will affect mood in a big way unless you're used to them. A number of plants in the mint family (like sage) often dairy products, some MSM supplements, and, of course, soy, may create PMS syndromes and muck with your emotional stability. Also you should address the falling progesterone. A number of menopausal women get serious bleeding that cannot be addressed. Often doctors will not come near this. Mexican yam can help with this. And also women are not aware that they may have troubles with testosterone, such as aggression and a sudden love of football. :D Women can suddenly find that they crave dominance and will direct and drive those around them.

[@Monicalala]

Hops has more phytoestrogen than soy

[@wholefoodplantbasedmama5398]

Soy helps me manage the effects of estrogen

[@reaux3921]

10:52 “men and females”

[@Alecmcq]

Woke alert!! Woke alert!!

[@mbsjanetelizabeth]

I suspect that men of old were spending more time chopping wood for fuel and building shelters and tools than racing across the fields.

[@Sunnysue31]

Sarah mentions taking "Genistein" is this the same as GlyNac ?? Anyone?

[@Chad123x]

I’m peri tried HRT patches but it gave me more issues. So stopped . My female doctor who is young is also not a fan of HRT cures all . But I’m doing my best to handle it through diet . None of mr older sisters do hrt either

[@TheShumoby]

In the beginning, taking estradiol gave me breast tenderness, some fatigued, sleepy. I adjusted my dosage and took it usually at night.

[@pynn1000]

Interesting that the ZOE study's got a high proportion of female participants. A large-scale long term study on nutrition (Nutrinet-Santé) which I've been in for years, also has a female majority, results now coming out.

[@musicloverUK]

My doctor said 70% of women dont get menopausal symptoms yet neither he nor i knew at the time that raised blood pressure , swollen legs and brain fog were menopausal symtoms. I just got offered bp tablets which i rejected. So i just put up with it all. Start educating doctors with this new research!

[@sharinaross1865]

Whose going to do the educating?

[@musicloverUK]

Surely research should feed into the education of trainee doctors... they seem to have a minescule amount of training time spent on nutrition.

[@towpottsfam7631]

I've always had a pot belly. Even when I was really skinny. Always hated it. Think it was due to stress. Or might be pre diabetic. So whr is bad.😢

[@jonathanperry4189]

I wish onathan would let get to his point a bit quicker sometimes! However as another Jonathan people tell me that too

[@natashaf.8597]

Great topic and a hugely under discussed one- though the anthropological causes she claimed for fat storage differences aren’t her area of expertise and the gender role myth of Hunter gatherers is being undermined by sites that show 40 percent female participation in hunting give or take. Also the notion of men’s abdominal fat for “quick energy” rather than glucose stored in muscle from a meal was…. Strange. I’m not trying to denigrate her important research- I just wish there was less unqualified extrapolation.

[@carolinesykes3636]

What happens to post menopausal women who cut off their fat? Scientifically.

[@ashwinpatel5539]

I presume you would replace the fats with high Carobohydrate or Carbohydrate rich processed foods which are known to be damaging (Blood Glucose Spikes,Insulin resistance, Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease), The advise is to reduce or eliminate Carbohydrate rich processed foods.

[@Monicalala]

Cut=liposuction?

[@Neo_Red_Pill]

Not if you have hip replacements.

[@IvyPlans]

The thumbnail is deceiving.

[@rachelle2227]

I guess it’s the arrow you’re supposed to look at, pointing to the body fat on the hips of the woman, and we’re not supposed to focus on the rest of her fat. It would have been much better to choose a particularly curvy woman (small, almost flat belly, but with hips) that is still at a healthy weight. Overall indeed it is misleading and frustrating.

[@carolinesykes3636]

Terribly misleading to put a woman who is obviously so obese. This doesn’t help anyone.

[@chrisavetrano]

Yes let’s revise that thumbnail image for this video! Totally misleading for the actual content.

[@Visitkarte]

No, it’s not. It shows the but hip area, and also subcutaneous fat which is good for you. I always tell my patients: don’t fight your love handles, they are good for you. Only thing you need to worry about is your visceral fat. The woman on the photo is NOT obese, she’s curvy.

[@RobertaPeck]

Holy shit!! Your ' Woke ' beliefs have blinded you to truth!!!

[@Sky10811]

why it s questionable the worthless of HRT after 10 years of taking it?

[@nicolamooney8693]

What about women with lack of ovarian function, did not have oestrogens naturally?

[@TheShumoby]

I'll just take estradiol so I won't get belly fat during menopause 😂

[@charleedell92]

I would like to know the situation for women who maintain optimal levels of sex hormones via hormone therapy. You would expect they remain a healthy shape. I will be doing my own n=1 study but has anyone looked ino this scientifically already?

[@abidavies154]

I was always told eating soy products wouldn't make a difference to men and women. Turns out eating a lot of tofu is a useful thing to do for women, is it a bad thing to do for men??

[@aejiongco]

I like the white shirt ,for a changed. Most podcasters are wearing black and gray

[@Sky10811]

why transdeRmal is better vs modern pills HRT?

[@lindyvandenbosch9539]

I still don't buy it. Sure a body fat % of 8-11 is probably not best but over 30% can't be good and the tumbnail model probably has more.

[@monikozi]

Do fat and ovaries produce the same type of estrogen?

[@mariaerskine8375]

Can you permanently remove fat cells with cryotherapy

[@towpottsfam7631]

What about women with slim butt and hips and thighs but huge hard bellies?

[@jacquelinewhittaker4651]

Only doing trials on male animals? You are bright people, did none of you question that? I am so disappointed. Secondly, I was very healthy on HRT 20 years ago, and overnight our GP surgery refused HRT to every woman patient. Now that research has been discredited, because the sample was skewed ...it was a set of volunteers who already had concerns that cancer ran in their family. Please get the maths and stats right you medical scientists.

[@elsagrace3893]

Your belly fat is not making estradiol. Your belly fat is making esterone, another type of estrogen that is not really that beneficial. GET HRT WITH ESTRADIOL, PROGESTERONE AND TESTOSTERONE.

[@radicalcartoons2766]

Hint - in the intro, by "for many in Menopause" he means "for women in Menopause". 😂

[@robertaloyie3184]

Mental health

[@696969bold]

Wild Yam Root extract has been a Godsend! Safe, works well and natural.

[@rusl12]

Didn't watch the video, but from the thumbnail i can see i need to gain about 20kg to get healthier.

[@SyriusStarMultimedia]

So. I’m healthier since reducing my body fat levels because _________________________.

[@midnightrainge]

Jonathan, Hi! As a Zoe’s loyal member/user and an ardent promoter/advocate, I have been listening to the podcast on my iphone Podcast app, but this episode I Watched here. OMG! What is this? Well, thanks for a lovely guest and fab ep. of course, but, I have this one feedback please. If one has to spend an hour beholding and enjoying your, Sara’s and your wonderful guests’ lovely and intelligent faces, rather than listening to your equally lovely voices, then the studio, i.e. visual backdrop and your surroundings do really make a difference. The viewer experience, engagement and retention would be so much better if you could please for goodness’ (fang shui, aesthetic, CNS, other - choose as applicable 😁) sake, change that black curtain behind you. What on earth is that? 😳Who designed your studio? It looks like 1950’s Soviet photographer’s booth 🙄(in the 80’s the curtains and their studio space got more cozy and colourful). I do understand that helps with contrast and sound etc. but surely you don’t struggle with either equipment quality or with software tools to create a video that gives us a decent visual podcast. I do want Zoe to become global and often share your podcast to friends and colleagues in Europe and overseas. Sharing this episode I kept apologising as it leaves nothing to hope for in comparison to your “competitor” podcasts. Could I please give you 3 different options for the design? I am happy doing it Pro-bono ☺️ From, say a traditional English, classical (Downton Abbey style but modern take) interior, which the world associates with the UK and LOVES, to some ultra modern, cutting edge, leader in nutrition & health research look and ambiance? This can’t be Zoe look. Do Something… anything… just change it please. Tis boring. Love you loads! Other than that, you are my superstars and darlings 💕😍

[@mak12578]

We African descendants have always loved the fat in our hips and thighs. Even the Kushite queen Amanirenas who reigned in Nubia in the 1st BCE was full figured.

[@awdtw]

Isn't that a cultural thing because skinny people were generally poorer people?

[@mak12578]

@@awdtwno, please look into the story of Sarah Baartman who was brought to Europe under false pretence to be used in freak shows because she had large buttocks and thighs