A Review of the Determinants of Excess Weight among Women of Reproductive Age in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

Excess weight among women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries is a growing public health concern, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases and adverse maternal and child health outcomes. This review examines the key determinants contributing to overweight and obesity in this population. A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January to May 2024 across Elsevier, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane using keywords such as “Overweight,” “Obesity,” “Women of Reproductive Age,” and “Developing Countries.” Eligible studies included original and full-text articles aligned with the research topic. Nine studies from Malawi, Mali, Ghana, sub-Saharan Africa, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and the Maldives were analyzed. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, key findings, and relevant outcome measures, while quality assessment and risk of bias evaluation ensured the reliability of included studies. Findings indicate that excess weight is primarily driven by advanced age, high household wealth index, white-collar employment, multiparty, marital status (married, divorced, or separated), higher education levels, and media exposure. Excess weight remains a pressing public health issue requiring targeted interventions. Policymakers should prioritize personalized, resource-driven strategies through health ministries, nutrition programs, and primary healthcare networks to prevent and manage overweight and obesity effectively.