Maternal obesity trends in Egypt 1995-2005

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Obesity affects 46% of adult females in Egypt, as reported by the WHO.
• Understanding obesity trends and at-risk populations is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document obesity trends in Egyptian women of reproductive age (15-49) between 1995 and 2005.
• To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with increased body mass index (BMI).

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 1995 and 2005 Egyptian Demographic and Health Surveys.
• Employed a linear model to analyze associations between household wealth, residence (urban/rural), employment, parity, and age with BMI changes.
• Focused on married Egyptian women aged 15-49.

Main Results:

• Mean BMI for women of reproductive age increased from 26.31 in 1995 to 28.52 in 2005.
• Obesity increased across all groups, but older, rural, and poorer women showed a faster rate of BMI increase.
• Household wealth, urban/rural residence, and age were significant factors associated with BMI changes.

Conclusions:

• Obesity is a growing concern among Egyptian women, with specific subgroups facing accelerated increases.
• Socioeconomic factors, particularly household wealth and rural residence, play a significant role in obesity trends.
• Subsidized high-energy, low-nutrient foods may contribute to rising obesity rates among the rural poor.