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Relationship between obesity and uterine leiomyomata
S A Shikora1, J M Niloff, B R Bistrian
1Nutrition Support Service, New England Deaconess Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Obese women with symptomatic uterine fibroids were significantly heavier than the general population. This suggests uterine fibroids may be another obesity-related comorbidity.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Endocrinology
- Obesity Medicine
Background:
- Obesity is linked to various diseases, including neoplasia.
- Higher circulating estrogen levels in obese women may increase endometrial cancer risk.
- Estrogens are also implicated in the development of uterine leiomyomata (fibroids).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if women with symptomatic uterine fibroids exhibit higher rates of obesity compared to the general population.
- To explore the relationship between obesity and uterine fibroid presentation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of hospital records for 144 women undergoing hysterectomy or myomectomy for uterine fibroids.
- Obesity defined as >120% of desirable body weight (DBW).
- Comparison with height- and age-matched women from the general US population.
Main Results:
- 51% of the study population were classified as obese (>120% DBW).
- 16% were severely obese (>150% DBW).
- The study population was significantly heavier than the general population (p < 0.0002).
- Fibroid size was larger in nulliparous women (p < 0.005).
Conclusions:
- Symptomatic uterine fibroids are significantly more prevalent in obese women.
- Uterine fibroids may represent an additional comorbidity associated with obesity.
- Nulliparity is associated with larger fibroid size.