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Impact of obesity on the health of women in midlife
Author(s) -
Lumsden Mary Ann,
Hor Kahyee
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the obstetrician and gynaecologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1744-4667
pISSN - 1467-2561
DOI - 10.1111/tog.12199
Subject(s) - obesity , menopause , medicine , depression (economics) , disease , risk factor , gerontology , public health , endocrinology , nursing , economics , macroeconomics
Key content Obesity is a major public health issue worldwide and lifestyle factors affecting weight should be addressed at every opportunity. Weight gain is not affected by the menopause or administration of hormone replacement therapy. Menopause favours the development of central adiposity. Obesity is a risk factor for menopausal symptoms and depression. Increased adiposity affects the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal function, which may manifest as menstrual dysfunction and late onset of menopause.Learning objectives To understand the impact of obesity on both general and reproductive health in women in midlife. To understand the pathophysiology underlying these changes. To understand the significance of fat distribution on metabolism and disease.Ethical issues While there is evidence that there is a genetic predisposition towards obesity, lifestyle is also recognised as a significant risk factor. The cost of obesity to the UK National Health Service is huge and it is a potentially avoidable problem.