Promoting postmenopausal lean body mass through body composition measurement: a quality improvement initiative

Abstract

Background: Menopause causes declining sex hormones, destabilizing metabolic pathways and resulting in fat redistribution, muscle loss, insulin resistance, inflammation, and altered lipoproteins. These changes increase metabolic syndrome, atherogenic plaque, and sarcopenia, raising disease risk and mortality. However, body composition testing and education on lean body mass are rarely routine in women's healthcare. Local Problem: A Montana clinic specializing in weight loss and HRT lacked a standardized protocol to screen and educate about menopause-related body composition changes and disease risk. Methods: Over six weeks, Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles integrated body composition screening and education for perimenopausal/menopausal patients receiving weight loss or HRT care. Outcomes were screening rates, education, satisfaction, and retention. Intervention: Providers were trained on menopause-related metabolic changes and disease risk, then applied a protocol including baseline body composition analysis (InBody 380) and personalized education to preserve lean mass. Results: 138 eligible patients were seen. Of these, 47.8% (n=66) completed a baseline body composition screening and 65.2% (n=90) received targeted education. Screening refusal occurred in fewer than 8% of patients (n=10). Patient satisfaction averaged 100%, and follow-up retention reached 97.8% (n=135). Conclusion: Standardized body composition screening and education is a feasible primary intervention for menopausal women, showing high acceptance, satisfaction, and retention. This approach promotes engagement, early intervention, and identification of metabolic risks.