Obesity among Indian women is rapidly spreading like a silent epidemic, especially in metropolitan cities where sedentary routines, high levels of stress, and changing lifestyles are fueling worrying trends. The abnormally high prevalence of central obesity among South Asian women is highlighted in a recent research sponsored by the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction and published in the Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research.
A growing public health concern in women’s reproductive years is highlighted by the fact that nearly 50 per cent of Indian women between 35 and 49 years currently suffer from being overweight or from obesity. Additionally, it pointed out that women between 18 and 30 years are more likely than men in the same age range to have elevated susceptibility to obesity-related health hazards, suggesting a multigenerational crisis.
According to NFHS-5 data, in India, 33.5 per cent of urban women and 19.7 per cent of rural women suffer from obesity. Sedentary routines, stress, and changes in lifestyle are contributing factors to this increase. The study highlighted the connection between unhealthy eating habits, a decrease in physical activity, and the rising prevalence of metabolic diseases like PCOS and gestational diabetes, which affect 23.1 per cent of obese pregnant women. These conditions put both the mother and the unborn child at risk, with the latter being more likely to require hospitalisation in the neonatal intensive care unit and experience long-term health problems. It even increases the chance of miscarriage in women who have a BMI more than 30 kg/m².
Every stage of a woman’s life requires a distinct approach to obesity treatment. Modifying one’s lifestyle is crucial for obese women who intend to become pregnant, as anti-obesity drugs must be stopped prior to conception. While postpartum weight management should comprise systematic programs aimed at a weight loss of 0.5 kg/week, weight gain throughout pregnancy should be tracked and customised according to BMI categories. Anti-obesity drugs should only be considered after breastfeeding has stopped, and breastfeeding should be promoted. Prior to putting weight management techniques into practice, it is critical for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women to assess their muscle mass, bone health, and metabolic disease.
A novel stepwise method was created for OBGs to evaluate and treat obesity in Indian women, which is encouraging. Along with lifestyle modifications like moderate daily exercise and a high-fiber, low-glycemic diet, the study emphasises that even a 5–10 per cent decrease in body weight can greatly improve overall quality of life. Medication and, in certain situations, bariatric surgery continue to be the mainstays of treatment.
Image source: Hindustan Times