Obesity in Women

Article By:    Bilqees Bano

                      BS final year

                      Department of women studies

Obesity negatively impacts the health of women in many ways. Being overweight or obese increases the relative risk of diabetes and coronary artery disease in women. Women who are obese have a higher risk of low back pain and knee osteoarthritis. Obesity negatively affects both contraception and fertility as well. Maternal obesity is linked with higher rates of cesarean section as well as higher rates of high-risk obstetrical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Pregnancy outcomes are negatively affected by maternal obesity (increased risk of neonatal mortality and malformations). Maternal obesity is associated with a decreased intention to breastfeed, decreased initiation of breastfeeding, and decreased duration of breastfeeding. There seems to be an association between obesity and depression in women, though cultural factors may influence this association. Obese women are at higher risk for multiple cancers, including endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and perhaps ovarian cancer. The prevalence of obesity is rising. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1 billion people are overweight, with 300 million meeting the criteria for obesity.1 Twenty-six percent of no pregnant women ages 20 to 39 are overweight and 29% are obese.2

Although many social, psychological, and cultural factors likely contribute to the development of depression in obese women, one explanation argues that the stigma toward obese individuals in American society leads to low self-esteem and ultimately depression. Thus, in communities where a higher weight is acceptable, less psychological impact is observed. Another theory argues that obesity is not stressful per se, but the pressure to fit a norm and continued dieting leads to depression.

Obesity is becoming more prevalent and has wide-ranging effects on a variety of women's health issues. Clinicians should counsel all women about the broad negative effects of obesity and the importance of controlling weight to prevent negative outcomes.

                                                                    

 References

1.http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/facts/obesity/en/.

2.Hedley AA, Ogden CL, Johnson CL, Carroll MD, Curtin LR, Flegal KM. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among US children, adolescents, and adults, 1999–2002. JAMA 2004; 291: 2847–50.

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