Weight Loss After Menopause: This Protein Can Help

Swapping animal protein for plant protein may help women lose weight after menopause.

Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to discuss a new study he co-authored that finds replacing animal protein with plant protein may be a powerful strategy for weight loss in postmenopausal women.

The study found that total protein intake did not need to change. Instead, the source of protein appeared to matter most. As women reduced animal protein and increased plant protein from foods such as soybeans, beans, and grains, they experienced significant weight loss.

Dr. Barnard explains why not all protein is created equal, how plant protein may affect metabolism differently than animal protein, and why this could be especially important for women after menopause.

🧠 In this episode:

– Why protein source matters for weight loss
– The connection between menopause, metabolism, and body weight
– Plant protein vs. animal protein
– Soy, beans, grains, and healthy weight
– Whether calories tell the whole story
– Methionine and metabolism
– Hot flashes, soy, and menopause symptoms
– Practical food swaps anyone can make

Exam Roomies of the Week
– Pauline White
– Alix Weisz
– Brenda Hoy

Have a question for Dr. Barnard? Leave it in a comment below.

This episode is sponsored by The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund, which supports organizations like the Physicians Committee that carry on Greg’s passion and love for animals through rescue efforts, veganism, and wildlife conservation.

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

📕 Menopause Study
👉 https://bit.ly/postmenopausal-weight-loss

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
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🌱 Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund
👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org

🎉 ICNM – Washington DC – 8/13-15
👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

– About Us –
The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.