Menopause is Associated with Postprandial Metabolism, Metabolic Health and Lifestyle: The ZOE PREDICT Study

Background: The menopause transition is associated with unfavourable alterations in health. However, postprandial metabolic changes and their mediating factors are poorly understood.

Methods: The PREDICT 1 UK cohort (n=1002; pre- n=366, peri- n=55, and post-menopausal females n=206) assessed phenotypic characteristics, anthropometric, diet and gut microbiome data, and fasting and postprandial (0-6 h) cardiometabolic blood measurements, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data. Differences between menopausal groups were assessed in the cohort and in an age-matched subgroup, adjusting for age, BMI, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use, and smoking status.

Findings: Post-menopausal females had higher fasting blood measures (glucose, HbA1c and inflammation (GlycA), 6%, 5% and 4% respectively), sugar intakes (12%) and poorer sleep (12%) compared with pre-menopausal females (p<0.05 for all). Postprandial metabolic responses for glucose and insulin were higher (42% and 4% respectively) and CGM measures (glycaemic variability and time in range) were unfavourable post- versus pre-menopause (p<0.05 for all). In age-matched subgroups (n=150), postprandial glucose responses remained higher post-menopause (peak 4%). MHT was associated with favourable visceral fat, fasting (glucose and insulin) and postprandial (triglyceride) measures. Mediation analysis showed that associations between menopause and metabolic health indicators (visceral fat, GlycA and glycaemia (peak)) were in part mediated by diet and gut bacterial species.

Interpretation: Findings from this large scale, in-depth nutrition metabolic study of menopause, support the importance of monitoring risk factors for type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in mid-life to older women to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with oestrogen decline.

Funding: Zoe Ltd.