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  2. Jun 18, 2026

Weight Loss After Menopause: This Type of Protein Helps | Dr. Neal Barnard

Weight Loss After Menopause: This Type of Protein Helps | Dr. Neal Barnard

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

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Gregory J. Reiter Fund

This episode of The Exam Room™ Podcast 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.

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.

On 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

Dr. B also shares his thoughts on cravings, nighttime routines, tart cherry juice, fiber supplements, and why diet and lifestyle still come first.

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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More on Weight Loss

Join us Wednesdays at noon ET for a live Q/A with Dr. Neal Barnard!

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