The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity and intra-abdominal (visceral) fat in midlife women at different stages of the menopausal transition. This cross-sectional study included 369 women (55% Whites; 45% African Americans) enrolled in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Results showed a significant negative association between physical activity and intra-abdominal fat independent of multiple covariates. The association between physical activity and intra-abdominal fat did not differ between African American and white women. These findings suggest that performing regular physical activity for women can positively modify menopause-related increases in intra-abdominal adiposity.
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