Prevalence and risk factors of underweight, overweight and obesity in women of reproductive age in China / 中华临床营养杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To analyze the prevalence and risk factors of pre-pregnancy underweight, overweight and obesity among women aged 18~49 years in China in 2013 and 2019 and the changing trends during this period.Methods:Pre-pregnancy examination data were collected for 9 220 664 women of reproductive age who participated in the National Free Pre-pregnancy Health Examination Project in 2013 and 2019, to analyze the prevalence and changing trends of underweight, overweight and obesity. Data from China Population Census in 2010 were applied to calculate the age-standardized prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors.Results:The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among women aged 18-49 years in China was 7.47%, 21.05% and 6.08%, respectively. Over the seven years from 2013 to 2019, the prevalence of underweight in women of reproductive age had decreased, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity had increased significantly. Younger age, higher education level and ethnic minorities were the risk factors of underweight, while advanced age, farmers, previous gravidity and previous parity were the risk factors of overweight and obesity. Vegetarian, smoking and passive smoking might increase the risk of underweight, overweight and obesity.Conclusion:Women of reproductive age in China are faced with the dual challenge of malnutrition and overnutrition and the weight management before pregnancy should be strengthened for women of reproductive age.