Dance improves cholesterol and fitness in postmenopausal women: study

Washington: A new study has suggested that dancing may improve cholesterol levels, fitness, self-image, and self-esteem in postmenopausal women. Women often find it difficult to manage their weight and other health risk factors, such as high cholesterol, once they transition into menopause. This new study found that dancing can effectively lower cholesterol levels, improve fitness and body composition, and in so doing, improve self-esteem. The results of the study were published online in ‘Menopause’, the journal of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS).

After menopause, women are more likely to gain weight, increase overall / core body fat, and experience metabolic disorders, such as increased triglycerides and bad cholesterol. Together, these changes ultimately increase cardiovascular risk. Around the same time, women are often less physically active, which translates into reduced lean body mass and an increased risk of falls and fractures. As a result of all of these changes, postmenopausal women often suffer from reduced self-esteem and self-esteem, which are directly related to overall mental health.

Physical activity has been shown to minimize some of the many health problems associated with menopause. The effect of dancing, in particular, has already been studied on how it improves body composition and functional fitness. However, few studies have investigated the effects of dance on body image, self-esteem, and fitness in postmenopausal women. This new study was designed to analyze the effects of dance practice on body composition, metabolic profile, functional fitness, and self-image / self-esteem in postmenopausal women.

Although the sample size is small, the study suggested credible benefits of a three-times-a-week dance diet to improve not only the lipid profile and fitness of postmenopausal women, but also the image and self-esteem. Dance therapy is considered an attractive option because it is an enjoyable activity with low associated costs and a low risk of injury for its practitioners. Additional confirmed benefits of regular dancing include improved balance, postural control, gait, strength, and overall physical performance. All of these benefits can contribute to a woman’s ability to maintain an independent and high-quality lifestyle throughout her life.

“This study highlights the feasibility of a simple intervention, such as a dance class three times a week, to improve not only physical condition and metabolic profile, but also self-image and self-esteem. self in postmenopausal women, ”said Dr Stéphanie Faubion, NAMS Medical Director. .

“In addition to these benefits, the women probably also enjoyed a sense of camaraderie through the shared experience of learning something new,” concluded Dr Faubion.