Researchers have found that, contrary to popular belief, menopause does not cause weight gain in women.

The study compared women who go through an early or late menopause to those who go through menopause normally. They found in all women the weight gain occurred at the same age, showing menopause itself was not the cause.

While the menopause does not cause weight gain, the decline in oestrogen levels affects the storage of body fat. A woman’s body subsequently deposits fat round the abdomen rather than the hips.