The stigma of being overweight is a battle that women often face. Such negative social perceptions and judgments make women stuck in a void. In life, women transition through many complex phases, dodging adulthood and responsibilities while trying to build careers. Obesity in women is one of the most common conditions that often has a misunderstood perception in society.
Obesity is a complex disease involving excess body fat and can affect overall health and quality of life. This medical problem can significantly increase the risk of other diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and certain cancers. Women refrain from losing weight for several reasons. Obesity is often the result of genetic, biological, and environmental factors, along with individual choices related to diet and physical activity. Medical professionals currently classify around 650 million people worldwide as obese. However, managing obesity in women is often different from that in men. If you have obesity, you are not alone. It affects 2 in 5 adults.
This blog post will discuss the possible symptoms, causes, and risks to help you understand and take the proper measures.
➣ Measuring Body Fat
Obesity typically has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. While BMI isn’t perfect, it doesn’t consider muscle mass or body composition. To calculate BMI, you can multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide by your height in inches twice. Alternatively, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in square meters.
BMI gives a sensible estimate of body fat for many people. However, it doesn’t directly measure body fat. BMI doesn’t distinguish lean fat from fat body mass and cannot take race or sex into consideration. For example, a muscular athlete may have a BMI in the obesity category even though they don’t have excess body fat.
➣ BMI Classifications
Healthcare professionals usually classify obesity by BMI. Here are the three classes of obesity that healthcare professionals use to understand the weight loss process:
- Class I Obesity: BMI between 30 and less than 35 kg/m² (kilograms per square meter)
- Class II Obesity: BMI between 35 and less than 40 kg/m²
- Class III Obesity: BMI of 40 kg/m² or higher
| BMI | Weight Status |
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5-24.9 | Healthy |
| 25.0-29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and higher | Obesity |
➣ Signs and Symptoms of Obesity in Women
The signs of obesity in women often begin subtly and worsen over time. Common early symptoms include steady weight gain, shortness of breath during routine activity, low energy, and persistent fatigue. Women may notice that they tire more easily or experience joint pain, especially in the knees, hips, or back. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often ignored as usual or blamed on aging. It’s important to react swiftly, as obesity can increase the risk of chronic health conditions.
Other symptoms may include:
- Trouble sleeping or snoring, often linked to sleep apnea
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Difficulty conceiving
- Higher levels of anxiety or depression
- Low self-confidence and negative body image
➣ What Causes Obesity in Women?
More basic obesity develops when individuals consume more calories than their body requires. Many factors contribute to causing obesity in women, including the choice of diet.
Here are some of the common reasons:
1. Hormonal Changes
Hormones influence how the body stores fat and regulates appetite. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. This type of fat is more dangerous because it surrounds internal organs and raises the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
2. Metabolism and Aging
Metabolism slows down for women as they age. During such a transition, their muscle mass decreases, and it becomes harder to burn fat. This natural change often leads to gradual weight gain, especially after turning 40.
3. Lifestyle and Environment
Sedentary routines, high protein diets, lack of sleep, and stress are significant factors that cause obesity in women. Due to busy schedules, women struggle to plan workout sessions or have healthy meals. Such conditions often lead them to rely on fast food or skip meals, making it harder to manage weight.
4. Genetics and Family History
A family history of obesity can increase risk, but it doesn’t guarantee it. Genes influence how the body processes food and stores fat, but environment and lifestyle still play a huge role.
5. Socioeconomic Factors
Limited access to nutritious food, safe spaces for physical activity, or quality healthcare can significantly impact a woman’s ability to manage her weight. Many women, especially in underserved communities, face systemic barriers that make healthy living a challenge.
6. Medications
Some medications taken for other health conditions can lead to obesity in women, especially if not balanced with healthy eating or regular activity. These include steroids, certain antidepressants, diabetes medications, anti-seizure drugs, antipsychotics, and some beta-blockers. While these medicines help manage essential health issues, they may also affect how your body stores fat or burns calories.
➣ Treatment and Management
Losing weight is the ultimate remedy for obesity. It’s a slow process that requires a strategic approach that keeps the issue’s complexity in mind.
➭ Healthy Diet and Nutrition:
Diets without medical evidence can alter the weight loss journey. Instead, build a sustainable eating plan focused on whole foods, portion control, and balance. Small changes, like reducing sugary drinks, eating more fiber, and not skipping meals, can create lasting healthy habits.
➭ Working Out:
Regular physical activity doesn’t have to be extreme to reduce obesity in women. Walking, swimming, or yoga are all beneficial. The goal is to find movement that feels good and fits into daily life. Even 30 minutes a day can improve heart health and metabolism.
➭ Mental Support:
Therapy or counseling can help address emotional eating, stress management, and body image. Some women benefit from structured weight loss programs or support groups where they can comfortably share their struggles.
➭ Medication:
You should discuss medication or weight-loss surgery with a qualified healthcare provider, especially when health risks are high and other methods have failed.
➭ Ongoing Support:
Because weight management is lifelong, follow-up care is essential. Regular check-ins with a doctor, dietitian, or counselor help women stay on track and adapt to changes that affect their health.
Conclusion
Obesity in women can diminish the overall quality of life. It can raise the risk of heart disease in women, especially after menopause, a stage that already increases heart risk regardless of body weight. Identifying the symptoms, understanding the causes, and addressing the condition is essential for a healthy life. On a personal note, it’s better to consult a healthcare professional before devising an action plan.
