Prevalence and associated factors of underweight and overweight/obesity among reproductive-aged women: A pooled analysis of data from South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan)

Abstract

Background and aimsUnderweight and overweight/obesity is a critical public health problem among women in South Asian countries. This study aimed to find the prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity and discover its associated factors among women of reproductive age in four South Asian countries. MethodsPopulation-representative cross-sectional latest Demographic and Health Survey data from four South Asian countries, considering Bangladesh (2017–18), Maldives (2016–17), Nepal (2016), and Pakistan (2017–18), were pooled for this study. To investigate the factors related with underweight and overweight/obesity in women, a multivariate multinomial logistic regression model was deployed. ResultsThe overall prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity among reproductive-age women in four South Asian countries was 11.8% and 36.3%, respectively. According to adjusted multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis, women who lived in Pakistan, were older, had a better education, were from the wealthiest home, were currently in union and had media exposure had a considerably decreased probability of being underweight. In contrast, families with a large number of members had a considerably increased risk of becoming underweight. Additionally, women from the Maldives, older age, secondary education, a higher number of children, women from the richest household, currently in the union, the family had media exposure, and pregnant women have been found significantly positively associated with overweight/obesity. However, Nepalese women, large family members, rural residence, and work involvement were significantly negatively associated with overweight/obesity. ConclusionThe problem of being underweight and overweight/obesity still exists in South Asian countries. Focusing on women's age, education, wealth index, and media exposure, different public health intervention approaches are imperative to reduce unhealthy weight conditions.