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E-Thesis 299 views

Evaluation of lifestyle modification on cardiometabolic risk markers in overweight post-menopausal women: a ghrelin-mediated response? / SOON TAN

Swansea University Author: SOON TAN

  • E-Thesis under embargo until: 24th May 2026

DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUThesis.66940

Abstract

Oestrogen deficiency in post-menopausal women increases their susceptibility to abdominal obesity, which can be associated with dysregulated ghrelin and cardiometabolic dysfunction. While a healthy lifestyle involving both regular physical activity and a healthy diet is important in managing cardiom...

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Published: Swansea University, Wales, UK 2024
Institution: Swansea University
Degree level: Doctoral
Degree name: Ph.D
Supervisor: Churm, R.; Bracken, R.; & Prior, S.
URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66940
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Abstract: Oestrogen deficiency in post-menopausal women increases their susceptibility to abdominal obesity, which can be associated with dysregulated ghrelin and cardiometabolic dysfunction. While a healthy lifestyle involving both regular physical activity and a healthy diet is important in managing cardiometabolic risks, understanding ghrelin’s role may aid in optimising the synergistic effects of these behaviours in post-menopausal women. This thesis investigated the cardiometabolic response to home-based lifestyle modifications, while exploring ghrelin’s mediatory role in physically inactive, overweight/obese post-menopausal women. Through a meta-analysis of published studies, the first project detailed the cardiometabolic benefits of mixed intensity exercise training of at least 8 weeks in post-menopausal women on their usual diet. The next study demonstrated that an 8-week home-based, equipment-free high-intensity interval training (HEFHIIT) without dietary restrictions significantly improved systolic (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and augmented resting post-prandial acyl ghrelin (AG). Notably, this training regimen did not alter body weight or other cardiometabolic risk markers. The subsequent study involving an 8-week HEFHIIT with/without the Mediterranean-style diet (MedDiet) demonstrated significant improvements in visceral adiposity and DBP, with weight loss and better body composition in the former group.EFHIIT significantly increased fasting AG, while the addition of the MedDiet did not change fasting AG or des-acyl ghrelin (DAG) levels. Although no associations were identified between changes in ghrelin, weight or cardiometabolic risk markers, this thesis underscores the effectiveness of these easily implementable lifestyle behaviours in improving cardiometabolic markers without caloric restrictions. Notably, the absence of positive lifestyle behaviours over 8 weeks resulted in significant weight gain and reductions in insulin sensitivity. Improvements in abdominal adiposity and blood pressure are crucial determinants for maintaining long-term cardiometabolic health and post-menopausal women should be encouraged to adopt these lifestyle changes. Sustained efforts in maintaining these behaviours may yield clinically meaningful outcomes in the long term, beyond ghrelin mediation.
Item Description: A selection of content is redacted or is partially redacted from this thesis to protect sensitive and personal information.
Keywords: Exercise Physiology, Post-menopausal women, Cardiometabolic Health, Cardiometabolic Disease, Ghrelin, Lifestyle Intervention
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Funders: Swansea University College of Engineering Sport and Exercise Science Scholarship