RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Obesity and Women's Health: An Evidence-Based Review
JF The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine
JO J Am Board Fam Med
FD American Board of Family Medicine
SP 75
OP 85
DO 10.3122/jabfm.2011.01.100076
VO 24
IS 1
A1 Teresa Kulie
A1 Andrew Slattengren
A1 Jackie Redmer
A1 Helen Counts
A1 Anne Eglash
A1 Sarina Schrager
YR 2011
UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/24/1/75.abstract
AB 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.