Certain types of plants contain phytoestrogens, chemical substances with properties that mimic the action of natural estrogen hormones. As a hormonal supplement, estrogen might cause an increase in weight, according to Columbia University Health Services. Although phytoestrogens exhibit estrogen-like properties, there is insufficient research regarding their ability to affect body weight.
Weight Gain
Women often experience an increase in body weight, especially around the middle, after the age of menopause. Weight gain occurs due to a variety of reasons, including a change in hormone production. Although estrogen replacement therapy potentially helps with certain menopausal symptoms, estrogen in pill form causes an increase in breast, thigh and hip tissue, possibly resulting in an increase in overall body weight.
Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens work by attaching to estrogen receptor sites in your cells. This action tends to provide a slight stimulation within the receptors, although this action is less intense than that of actual estrogen. Consuming a high amount of phytoestrogens potentially limits the amount of real estrogen that your body uses. After menopause, these phytoestrogens might help take the place of the missing estrogen, mimicking the effects of this hormone. There are no scientific studies about the effect these plant hormones have on weight gain, however.
Sources
Soy supplies a rich source of phytoestrogens in the form of isoflavones. This plant provides the main ingredient in many phytoestrogen supplements. Other sources of phytoestrogens include whole grains, red clover and flaxseed. The phytoestrogen content varies, depending on the food source. For instance, 1/4 cup of miso has about 30 mg of phytoestrogens, while 1/2 cup of tofu has 40 mg. If you consume phytoestrogens, the Hospital for Special Surgery recommends starting slowly and gradually increasing your intake to a level between 30 and 50 mg per day.
Considerations
The potential properties of phytoestrogens require more research to determine how these plant substances affect human health, including the possibility of weight gain. Although consuming foods that contain phytoestrogens is safe for most people, eating too much of any one type of food might lead to a nutritional deficiency. Talk to your doctor before making radical changes to your diet or method of eating, especially if you have a health disorder such as obesity or anorexia.
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