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Population estimates, consequences, and risk factors of obesity among pregnant and postpartum women in India: Results from a national survey and policy recommendations
Author(s) -
Chopra Mansi,
Kaur Naman,
Singh Konsam Dinachandra,
Maria Jacob Chandni,
Divakar Hema,
Babu Giridhara R.,
Hong Nguyen Phuong,
Bhanot Arti,
Sabharwal Manisha,
Deb Sila,
Baswal Dinesh,
Louise Killeen Sarah,
McAuliffe Fionnuala M.,
Hanson Mark A.,
Sethi Vani
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1002/ijgo.13319
Subject(s) - medicine , obesity , odds , body mass index , environmental health , population , demography , pregnancy , residence , logistic regression , pathology , sociology , biology , genetics
Abstract Objective To examine prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of maternal obesity; and provide evidence on current policies and programs to manage maternal obesity in India. Methods This is a mixed‐methods study. We analyzed the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)‐4 data (2015–16) to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of obesity, followed by a desk review of literature and stakeholder mapping with interviews to develop policy guidance. Results National prevalence of obesity (defined by WHO as body mass index ≥25) was comparable among pregnant (12%) and postpartum women (13%) ≥20 years of age. A high prevalence of obesity (>40%) was observed in over 30 districts in multiple states. Older maternal age, urban residence, increasing wealth quintile, and secondary education were associated with increased odds of obesity among pregnant and postpartum women; higher education increased odds among postpartum women only (OR 1.90; 95% CI, 1.44–2.52). Dietary variables were not associated with obesity. Several implementation challenges across healthcare system blocks were observed at policy level. Conclusion Overall prevalence of obesity in India during and after pregnancy is high, with huge variation across districts. Policy and programs must be state‐specific focusing on prevention, screening, and management of obesity among pregnant and postpartum women.