Trends and socioeconomic factors associated with overweight/obesity among three reproductive age groups of women in Nepal

Introduction

Overweight/obesity represents a major and increasing burden in Nepal where women in reproductive-aged groups are highly affected. We aimed to explore the trends and association of overweight by socioeconomic position among the different reproductive-aged women in Nepal.

Methods

We used datasets from five nationally representative surveys, Nepal Demographic and Health Survey conducted between 1996 and 2016. A sample of 33,503 nonpregnant women aged 15–49 was included. Markers of socioeconomic position were education level, occupation, and household wealth. Descriptive analysis, crude and adjusted prevalence trends, and multiple logistic regression models were carried out.

Results

The prevalence of overweight/obesity increased fivefold (7.5–35.2%) among women of reproductive age between 1996 and 2016 in Nepal. The prevalence increase of overweight was higher among women aged 25 to  < 35 and 35–49. The overweight prevalence increased from 5.2% to 42.3% among women involved in manual work. Women aged 35–49 from the richest households were more likely overweight (adjusted odds ratio 5.68; 95% CI 4.62–6.99). Women with higher education had higher body weight irrespective of reproductive age.

Conclusion

In Nepal, women aged 35–49 from the richest households and women with higher education were the highest risk groups for being overweight in Nepal. To improve the situation of overweight in Nepal, strategies prioritizing the vulnerable groups should be incorporated into the National Nutrition Policy and Strategies.