Fatores associados ao excesso de peso de mulheres em idade reprodutiva no estado do Ceará

Abstract

Excess body weight, including overweight and obesity, is a public health problem recognized as a global epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Women present a greater predisposition to weight-related alterations, making them more susceptible to obesity. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age in the state of Ceará, Brazil. This cross-sectional study was conducted with women aged 20 to 49 years residing in the state and represents a subset of the 2023 Maternal and Child Health State Survey of Ceará (PESMIC). The results indicated that 66.68% of participants presented excess weight, with the main associated factors being: maternal age — women over 30 years had a higher risk of obesity (AOR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.3–2.0, p < 0.001); age at menarche — menarche before age 12 increased the risk of overweight (AOR = 1.49, 95%CI = 1.2–1.9, p = 0.002) and obesity (AOR = 2.10, 95%CI = 1.7–2.7, p < 0.001); parity — having three or more children increased the likelihood of overweight (AOR = 1.40, 95%CI = 1.1–1.8, p = 0.010) and obesity (AOR = 1.58, 95%CI = 1.2–2.1, p = 0.001); alcohol consumption — associated with higher prevalence of overweight (AOR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.0–1.8, p = 0.021) and obesity (AOR = 1.50, 95%CI = 1.2–2.0, p = 0.003); and mental disorders — women with depressive disorder had a higher likelihood of developing obesity (AOR = 1.49, 95%CI = 1.2–1.9, p < 0.001), but not overweight. It is concluded that addressing nutritional disorders and ensuring adequate maternal health prior to conception is essential, as the health of women of reproductive age plays a crucial role in pregnancy outcomes and child health. Strategies that promote behavior change from early life may contribute to reducing excess weight across the lifespan, positively impacting the health of women and future generations.