Magnitude and Strength of Association Between Obesity and Major Non-communicable Comorbidities in Urban Women
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Abstract
Background: Obesity is a major modifiable determinant of non-communicable diseases and is increasing rapidly in urban Bangladesh. Mid-life women are particularly vulnerable due to metabolic transitions and lifestyle factors associated with urbanization. This study aimed to determine the magnitude and strength of association between obesity and major non-communicable comorbidities among women aged 35–45 years residing in Dhaka city.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 322 women aged 35–45 years. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standardized procedures and obesity was classified according to established criteria. Information on physician-diagnosed diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, fatty liver disease, joint pain, breathlessness or chest pain and kidney disease was collected through structured interviews. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests with Yates’ correction. Relative risks, odds ratios, attributable risks and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using SPSS version 27. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of obesity was 39.13%. Obese women demonstrated significantly higher prevalence of diabetes (63.5% vs 28.1%), hypertension (65.9% vs 35.2%), heart disease (48.4% vs 21.9%), fatty liver disease (65.1% vs 26.5%), joint pain (61.9% vs 31.6%), breathlessness (56.3% vs 27.0%) and kidney disease (46.0% vs 26.0%) compared with non-obese women. Comparative risk analysis revealed significantly elevated relative risks and odds ratios for all examined conditions.
Conclusion: Obesity substantially increases the risk of multiple non-communicable comorbidities among urban mid-life women. Targeted screening, early detection and integrated prevention strategies are essential to reduce obesity-related disease burden in Bangladesh.