Menopause, (over)weight and body ideals

In this qualitative research project, we examine women’s experiences with (over)weight and body ideals during their menopausal transition.
Copyright: Mette Pilegård Barrett Nielsen

The overall research question of this project is how women of high weight experience, feel and present bodily changes in relation to societal body ideals during their menopausal transition.

Thus, it is the goal to illuminate how women in large menopausal bodies experience and navigate through this transition. This will help discover opportunities and limitations to support these women which is relevant for health care professionals.

 

 

 

It is well-documented that the physical body changes through menopause. For many women, this involves a weight gain and a redistribution of fat, particularly around the abdomen.

This project will explore the complex relationships between societal body ideals and the experiences of women during the menopausal transition, focusing on weight.

The study will address significant and socially relevant issues from a social science perspective, inspired by sociology. Topics may, but is not exclusive to, include the medicalization of menopause and weight changes, the moving menopausal body, the individualization of body projects and personal idealized weight, the role of being physical (in)active, and the balance between healthy function and fit appearance.

Using qualitative methods, the research will delve into the nuanced bodily experiences of women in and through menopause

 

Menopause represents a significant biological and social transition that often brings changes in body composition, metabolic function and self-perception. The way women perceive and experience these changes is influenced by their personal, family and sociocultural background.

For many women, menopause can challenge their self-understanding, quality of life and ability to act. Yet there is very little knowledge in the area, and many women feel inadequately informed and become concerned, as symptoms of menopause can easily be confused with serious illnesses.

At the same time, menopause can be a particularly reflective transitional period, which is suitable for creating new opportunities in life. How women of higher weight navigate the societal ideals and expectations during the menopausal transition is less explored.

 

This project is based on qualitative research methods inspired by social sciences.

It will include in-depth semi-structured interviews with 25-30 women, using open-ended questions to capture their experiences, challenges, and emotions for managing bodily and weight changes in relation to body ideals.

To investigate how menopausal women present themselves, we will include focus group interviews and/or observations.

 

This PhD project will be a part of the interdisciplinary national network of women in healthy transition – KISO. Read more about KISO here: Kvinder i Sund Overgang (KISO)

Furthermore, the PhD project will contribute to the Women’s Health and Menopause (WHAM) research group, led by Maria Hybholt.

The two primary purposes of WHAM are

  1. to map and communicate existing evidence-based knowledge and knowledge gaps about menopause for the immediate benefit of the individual woman, the healthcare system and society as a whole.
  2. to fill existing knowledge gaps about how menopause affects women's health status, self-perception and everyday life, and to identify options for action.

Also, findings and publications will be announced on this website as well as through KISO.

 

Primary supervisor

Maria Hybholt, Associate Professor, UCPH

Co-supervisor

Karen Hvidtfelt, Professor, SDU

Phd fellow

Michelle Skov Blagdon, UCPH

Funded by

The Sagitta Foundation.

Project period: 1 June 2025 - 31 May 2028.

Women’s Health and Menopause (WHAM)