CHAPTER 7: Obesity in Women

Introduction 68% of U.S. population is overweight or obese. Resulting medical and psychosocial difficulties can be debilitating and life-threatening. Expanding knowledge on contributing factors and outcomes related to gender is important for effective care and interventions.

Causes of Weight Gain and Obesity Heritability – Genes create a predisposition, but the environment is key. Energy Balance – Increase in energy intake and decrease in energy expenditure Metabolism and Obesity – Slow metabolism = weight gain?

Causes of Weight Gain and Obesity Smoking Cessation – 80% will experience weight gain. Viruses – Correlational evidence of adenovirus Toxins – Endrocrine-disrupting chemicals

Causes of Weight Gain and Obesity Influences on Weight Related to Female Gender: – Nursing – Menarche – Pregnancy – Menopause

Consequences of Obesity Medical Consequences of Obesity – Increase in disease risk and mortality Mortality – Increase for women with BMI >27 Health-Seeking Behavior – Higher BMIs associated with reduced health- seeking behavior

Consequences of Obesity Biological and Hormonal Changes Sexual and Reproductive Health Sleep – E.g., sleep apnea Weight Loss – Difficulty in maintaining weight loss

Consequences of Obesity Psychosocial Consequences of Obesity – Impaired quality of life – Discrimination and stigma Changes in Cognition – Decrease in cognitive function linked to obesity Public Health Costs – Expenditures – Loss of productivity

Description and Effectiveness of Obesity Treatment for Women Benefits of Weight Loss – Reduction in risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease – Improvements in blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol – Improves overall health and quality of life

Description and Effectiveness of Obesity Treatment for Women Treatment Options – Behavioral therapy and lifestyle modification – Dietary interventions – Physical activity interventions – Medication – Surgery – Self-guided dieting

Description and Effectiveness of Obesity Treatment for Women Prevention of Obesity – Few effective approaches have been identified. Pregnancy – Excessive prenatal weight gain has been associated with poor outcomes for women and children. Menopause – Physical activity is protective during this period.

Future Directions Focus on long-term weight loss maintenance Future research should examine: – Genetic predisposition – Race/ethnicity – Age – Menstrual status – Body fat distribution – Socioeconomic status(SES)