How Obesity Affects Women’s Health

Obesity remains a significant concern within our community. In Texas, 33.9% of women ages 18-44 are classified as obese (body mass index 30.0 or higher). 

Right now, you might be asking, “What is body mass index?” or “Why does my weight matter?” The first step in preventing or managing obesity is understanding what it is and how it affects your overall health.

The truth is that obesity can lead to serious health complications—especially for women.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition that occurs when a person’s weight is higher than what is considered healthy for their height. It’s typically diagnosed using a tool called body mass index (BMI). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention divides BMI into four categories for adults:

• Underweight: BMI is less than 18.5
• Normal Weight: BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9
• Overweight: BMI is between 25 and 29.9
• Obese: BMI is greater than or equal to 30.0

There are tools to help you calculate your BMI at home, but only your primary care physician or a medical professional can officially diagnose you with obesity.

While BMI is not a perfect measure of someone’s health, it can help spot red flags of potential weight-related health risks.

Factors Contributing to Obesity

There is no single cause of obesity. Rather it is a combination of multiple factors. Our Institute for Public Health found the common factors leading to obesity within the Bexar County community include:

• Busy schedules, which leads to choosing fast food
• Lack of access to health education
• Sedentary (inactive) lifestyles
• Financial challenges affecting food and health choices
• Emotional/psychological stress leading to comfort eating
• Side effects from medications that cause weight gain

Common Health Complications

Obesity increases the risk of developing a wide range of health complications, such as:

• Depression
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Joint problems/arthritis
• Sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes

But for women specifically, obesity can also lead to reproductive and hormonal health complications.

Staying ahead of obesity-related health risks starts with routine care. Schedule an appointment with one of our women’s health specialists to get started.

Obesity and Women’s Bodies

Reproductive Health

Obesity can have a significant effect on fertility and pregnancy. Women with obesity are more likely to experience:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Infertility
• Hormone imbalances and irregular periods
• Pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia
• More severe symptoms during menopause

Heart Health

Obesity is a strong risk factor for heart disease.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American women. Particularly, coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease among women.

Coronary artery disease occurs when there is a build-up of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Heart rhythm abnormalities, heart failure and heart attack are also common in women.

How to Manage Your Weight

Managing obesity doesn’t mean going on a crash diet. It’s about creating sustainable, healthy habits.

Start by talking to your primary care provider. They’ll help you find a path that works for your body and your goals. Some options include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medical support
• Surgical options

Lifestyle Changes

When it comes to lifestyle changes, the main focuses are eating balanced meals, getting enough physical activity throughout your day and finding ways to reduce stress.

Medical Support

Your provider may prescribe weight loss medication to help manage your appetite, improve blood sugar levels and support long-term weight loss.

Surgical Options

If lifestyle changes and medication do not appear to be helping, your provider may recommend weight loss (bariatric) surgery.

Bariatric surgery helps people lose weight by altering their gastrointestinal system.

Not everyone qualifies for this weight loss surgery. Typically, candidates must have a BMI of 40. However, patients with diabetes may qualify for bariatric surgery with a BMI greater than 35.

Women’s Health at University Health

Whether you’re trying to prevent obesity or manage it, you don’t have to do it alone. At University Health, our Women’s Health Services offer specialized care to support your journey to better health.

Even if you’re not a University Health patient, we’re here for you. Through our Institute for Public Health, we connect our entire community with valuable resources to better understand and address obesity.