Impact of parity on obesity: a cross-sectional study in Iranian women

The aim of the present study was to analyze whether or not parity influenced the prevalence of obesity in both pre- and postmenopausal women.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on characteristics of urban women regarding parity. A total of 1,620 women aged 45-63 years were selected using cluster sampling. A face-to-face household interview was conducted by trained, skillful personnel. A risk factor questionnaire was used to obtain information on reproductive history and sociodemographic factors. Statistical associations between parity and obesity using logistic regression were then investigated.

The mean BMI was 29.1 ± 5.1, and 96.8% of the sample population were parous, with a median of 4 births. Of the total women enrolled, 216 (13.3%) had <3 parities, while 1,404 (86.7%) had ≥3 parities. The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥30) was 38.3%, diagnosed at a mean age of 51.4 ± 5.2 years. After adjustment for a range of potential confounders (age, marital status, employment, education, smoking status, abortion history, savings situation and menopausal status), women with ≥3 parities were at higher risk of being obese (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.24-2.45; p = 0.001).

A positive association was observed between the number of parities and obesity. The findings of this study suggest that the BMI is associated with high parity in Babolian women. Health policymakers should work with health providers to develop appropriate postpartum weight loss interventions.