A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 22 studies. No statistically significant difference was found in mean weight gain between those using unopposed oestrogen and those not using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (0.66 kg, 95% CI -0.62, 1.93). No significant difference was found in mean weight gain between those using oestrogen/progestogen therapy and non-HRT users (-0.47 kg, 95% CI -1.63, 0.69). Insufficient data exist to enable meta-analysis of the effect of unopposed oestrogen on BMI. The reviewers found no statistically significant difference in mean BMI increase between those using oestrogen/progestogen and non-HRT users (-0.50, 95% CI -1.06, 0.06). Insufficient data exist to enable meta-analysis of the effect of HRT on waist-hip ratio, fat mass or skinfold thickness.
A study 2 assessed changes in obese HRT-users in resting energy expenditure (REE), autonomic asset, and assessment of oxidative stress in comparison with obese premenopausal women and post-menopausal women without HRT (n= 50 in each three groups). In the HRT-group a significant increase of the sympathetic activity and resting energy expenditure was described. Finally this group showed a notable increment of oxidative stress compared with the others, and utilizing Body Impedance Analysis (BIA) instrument, the free fat mass was increased respect to the fat mass of obese women.
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