Healthy eating during menopause: Development of a prevention concept for reducing and avoiding overweight, taking into account empirical research results

Menopause marks a period of physiological and psychological changes and is associated with an increased risk of weight gain and metabolic complications. The aim of this study is to describe the eating habits, menopausal symptoms, and weight changes of women going through menopause, to examine the relationships between these variables, to identify the need for preventive nutrition services, and to develop a prevention concept based on these findings. Four hypotheses are examined regarding the relationships between the frequency of home-cooked meals and symptom burden, body mass index (BMI) and symptoms, and the relationship between BMI or symptom burden and interest in a prevention concept.An online survey of women aged 40–60 was conducted (July 16–28, 2025), regardless of their menopausal status. Recruitment took place online and offline as part of an ad hoc convenience sample. A standardized questionnaire recorded dietary habits, weight changes, menopausal symptoms, and preferences; menopausal symptoms were assessed in a modified form based on the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). After exclusions, n = 240 data sets were included in the analysis.The data indicate health-promoting routines; at the same time, legumes, nuts, and whole grains are below the recommendations, and stress-associated eating patterns are common. Urogenital, joint, and vasomotor complaints were mentioned most frequently. There is no significant correlation between symptom burden and BMI. Due to time constraints, flexible online formats are preferred, especially at the beginning of perimenopause.Against this background, a plant-based, high-fiber, or Mediterranean diet in accordance with DGE recommendations, as well as behavior-oriented components (including dealing with stress eating and daily routines) appear to be suitable starting points for prevention. The course concept developed addresses this issue; limitations (self-reported data, ad hoc sampling, lack of data on HRT/contraception, underrepresentation of obese women) restrict causal interpretation.Note: This is an abridged public version of the original thesis. Section 4.5 (prevention course concept including session plans) and Appendices 9–10 (verbatim participant responses and course materials) have been omitted from this version.Keywords: Menopause, perimenopause, climacteric symptoms, dietary behavior, prevention, overweight