Brazilian Women Over 40 Confront Rising Insulin Resistance and Extreme Thinness Trends

Research shows that more than 40% of women aged over 40 experience insulin resistance, a condition that worsens after menopause. In Brazil, studies report a 65.6% prevalence of metabolic syndrome and 17.1% diabetes among middle‑aged women, indicating a significant health burden. Gynecologist Patricia Magier explains that declining estrogen during menopause promotes abdominal fat, which reduces cells' sensitivity to insulin.

At the same time, the cultural push for extreme thinness—once limited to young models—has spread to older and senior women. Media, fashion shows and social‑media platforms amplify an aesthetic that favors very low body weight, raising concerns about physical and mental health risks, body dissatisfaction, and reduced diversity in body representation.