title: Change in body mass index, weight, and hot flashes: a longitudinal analysis from the midlife women's health study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The goals of this study were to examine the associations between body mass index (BMI), as well as BMI change and weight change, with midlife hot flashes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were analyzed from an ongoing 5-year cohort study of 631 midlife women (ages 45-54 years) recruited from Baltimore, Maryland, and its surrounding counties. Height and weight were measured at clinic visits conducted annually. Questionnaires administered at each clinic visit collected detailed data on hot flashes, including the severity and frequency, and other covariates. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and generalized estimated equation models, adjusting for potential confounders.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among women enrolled in the study, 45.2% reported hot flashes and 32.0% were categorized as being obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m(2)) at baseline. At baseline, BMI was not significantly associated with ever experiencing hot flashes (BMI ≥30 versus <25 kg/m(2): odds ratio [OR] 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58, 1.15) or any of the other hot flashes outcomes (recent, frequent, or severe). In addition, no statistically significant associations between BMI, BMI change, or weight change, and the hot flash outcomes were observed in the longitudinal models (for example, any hot flashes: BMI ≥30 versus <25 kg/m(2): OR 0.81; 95% CI: 0.56, 1.17).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  BMI, BMI change, and weight change during midlife were not related to hot flashes in this study. The data suggest that other factors, such as smoking habits, are more important in determining hot flashes risk during midlife.
authors.affiliation: 1 The Prevention and Research Center, The Weinberg Center for Women's Health and Medicine, Mercy Medical Center , Baltimore, Maryland.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gallicchio
authors.forename: Susan R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kiefer
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Greene
authors.forename: Howard A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Zacur
authors.forename: Jodi A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Flaws
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015142:Baltimore / Q000453:epidemiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015430:Weight Gain