Abstract
BackgroundOverweight and obesity are a particular concern for women of reproductive age. They not only increase the risk of chronic diseases but they are also associated with adverse perinatal, neonatal, infant and child outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine the trend of overweight and obesity among Bangladeshi women of reproductive age between 2004 and 2014.MethodThis is a secondary data analysis of the 2004, 2007, 2011 and 2014 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS). We determined the age standardized prevalence of overweight and obesity of women aged 15–49 years, who had their weight and height measured. Overweight and obesity were determined using the Asian specific BMI cut-offs criteria.ResultThe prevalence of overweight increased from 11.4% [95% CI: 10.4to 12.5] in 2004 to 25.2% [95% CI: 24.0 to 26.4] in 2014. The prevalence of obesity increased from 3.5% [95% CI: 3.0to4.2] to 11.2% [95% CI: 10.1to12.5%] over the same period of time. This was seen in all age groups. However, the greatest increase was observed in women aged 35 to 49 years. The highest prevalence of overweight and obesity were observed in those women with the highest education level and wealth, larger family size, living in urban areas and not being in paid employment.ConclusionThe prevalence of overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in Bangladesh is high and increasing. We speculate that this has the potential to jeopardize the improvements that have been made in maternal and infant health over the last two decades. Evidence based prevention strategies are required to address this serious public health issue.
Highlights
Overweight and obesity are an increasing public health problem in both developed and developing countries[1, 2]
In contrast to developed countries, more women in Southeast Asia are overweight and obese compared to men, which in 2013 was estimated to be 28% and 22% for women and men, respectively[1, 4].Overweight and obesity pose an additional concern for women, of reproductive age
It affects the woman’s health by increasing her risk of gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it is associated with adverse perinatal, neonatal, infant and childhood outcomes[7]
Summary
Overweight and obesity are an increasing public health problem in both developed and developing countries[1, 2]. In contrast to developed countries, more women in Southeast Asia are overweight and obese compared to men, which in 2013 was estimated to be 28% and 22% for women and men, respectively[1, 4].Overweight and obesity pose an additional concern for women, of reproductive age. It affects the woman’s health by increasing her risk of gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it is associated with adverse perinatal, neonatal, infant and childhood outcomes[7]. The objective of this study was to examine the trend of overweight and obesity among Bangladeshi women of reproductive age between 2004 and 2014
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