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OBESITY: THE HEALTH IMPACTS AND RELATIONSHIP WITH REPRODUCTION

ABSTRACT

Obesity is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide, with increasing prevalence in adults and children, and authorities view it as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. Obesity negatively impacts the health of women in many ways, such as higher risk of low back pain and knee Osteoarthritis. Also, obesity negatively affect both contraception and fertility.  Maternal obesity is linked with high-risk obstetrical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Obese women are at high risk of multiple cancer including endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer and perhaps ovarian cancer. Many different factors contribute to the rising rate of obesity, changing diet and decreasing physical activity are believed to be two most important in causing the recent increase in the rates. This study assessed the knowledge of reproductive outcomes of women affected by obesity. Public education is needed to increase knowledge and awareness of the reproductive consequences of obesity in women of reproductive age may be uniquely responsive to obesity education and weight loss intervention.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Obesity has become a significant public health concern globally, with profound implications for individual health and well-being, as well as broader societal and economic implications (Ng et al., 2014). Defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health, obesity is a complex condition influenced by various genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors (WHO, 2020). The prevalence of obesity has risen dramatically in recent decades, reaching epidemic proportions in many countries (Afshin et al., 2017).

One of the concerning aspects of obesity is its impact on reproductive health. Numerous studies have demonstrated a clear relationship between obesity and adverse reproductive outcomes in both men and women (Sermondade et al., 2019). In women, obesity is associated with menstrual irregularities, ovulatory dysfunction, and subfertility, ultimately leading to reduced fertility rates (Broughton & Moley, 2017). Additionally, obese women face higher risks of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery (Marchi et al., 2015). These complications not only jeopardize maternal health but also increase the risk of adverse outcomes for the offspring.

In men, obesity has been linked to impaired semen quality, including reduced sperm concentration, motility, and morphology (Sermondade et al., 2013). Furthermore, obese men may experience hormonal imbalances, such as decreased testosterone levels, which can further impact fertility (Campbell et al., 2015). The mechanisms underlying the association between obesity and reproductive dysfunction are multifaceted, involving alterations in hormone levels, inflammatory processes, and metabolic disturbances (Tremellen, 2018).

The impact of obesity on reproduction extends beyond fertility and encompasses various aspects of prenatal and perinatal health. Maternal obesity increases the risk of offspring being born large for gestational age, predisposing them to