AIM: The aim of the following study is to evaluate the effect of life-style modification on postmenopausal (PM) overweight and obese Indian women in a randomized controlled 24 week study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups were formed group I (n = 30) was designated as intervention (dietary and exercise group) and group II (n = 24) served as control. Comparison of weight, waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) were made and compared among two groups at 4, 8, 16 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: Mean age at menopause was 48.35 years versus 49.65 years; mean number of menopausal symptoms were 5.70 +/- 1.76 versus 5.10 +/- 1.56 and mean duration since menopause was 2.70 versus 2.90 years in groups I and II respectively. When the effect of group I and control on weight was compared at 4, 8, 16 and 24 weeks, there was no significant difference between them up to 8 week. At 8 weeks group I caused a significant decrease in weight (p < 0.05) when compared with control arm and which continued throughout the study period (p < 0.05) at both 16 and 24 weeks. Group I produced a significant reduction in WC from 8 weeks onwards up to 24 weeks (p < 0.05). BMI was statistically significant in group I and the effect started at 4th week (p < 0.05) and the differences in BMI reduction were highly significant at 16th and 24th weeks (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study strongly recommend the life-style management to be incorporated in daily style of postmenopausal women under controlled supervision.

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