Determinants of Overweight and Obesity among Bangladeshi Diabetic Women of Reproductive Age

Jesmin Akter, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS)
Kazi Rumana Ahmed, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS)
Liaquat Ali, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS)

Several reproductive disorders with overweight and obesity are now known to be associated with insulin resistance. The study aimed to assess the proportion and determinants of overweight and obesity among reproductive aged diabetic women. This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among 888 reproductive aged diabetic women attending the OPD of the central hospital of Diabetic Association. BMI, WC and WHR were used to assess the obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 47% (95% CI 48-45) and 23% (95% CI 21-24) and were higher in the age group of 45-49 years (49%) and 35-44 years (24%) respectively. In multiple regression analysis, BMI, WC and WHR were significantly associated with age, income, duration of diabetes and management of diabetes by OHA (p<0.05). A high prevalence of both overweight and obesity exists in Bangladeshi reproductive aged diabetic women and seems to be associated with their demographics (increasing age, income).