Association of menopausal symptoms with overweight and obesity among rural middle aged women in North India: A population based study

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity are important determinant of increasing morbidity among all age groups, including menopausal women. The symptoms of menopause have a negative impact on the quality of life. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity in menopausal women and also to find its association with menopausal symptoms and sociodemographic variables. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among middle-aged women (40–60 years) from April 2018 to March 2019. The Menopausal Rating Scale was used to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms in 400 women, and data were collected for sociodemographic factors, menstrual history in the past month, and personal history. Results: About 35.5% of menopausal women were overweight/obese (26% overweight and 9.5% obese) with average body mass index of 23.9 ± 4.84 and mean age of 53.65 ± 5.11 years Joint and muscular discomfort ( P = 0.001), hypertension ( P = 0.014), literacy level ( P = 0.009), and socioeconomic status ( P = 0.01) were significantly associated with overweight/obesity. With reference to women with no/little somatic and urogenital complaints, the odds of developing obesity was more (adjusted odds) in patients with mild (odds ratio [OR] - 2.8), moderate (OR - 2.1), and severe (2.19) somatic complaints and also higher risk in patients with mild (OR-3.2), moderate (OR - 1.1), and severe (OR - 1.74) urogenital symptoms. The age of menopause was significantly more among overweight than normal-weight women ( P = 0.033). Conclusion: Overweight and obesity associated with menopause require increased attention and a multidisciplinary approach to women's health to prevent morbidity in this population group.

Urban-rural differences in epidemiology and risk factors of menopause syndrome in middle-aged Chinese women

“…The independent factors associated with the prevalence and more severity of MPS in urban and rural women were not exactly the same (Tables 5 and 6). Similar to our results, few studies also showed that a high BMI, low income, no cohabitation partner, low education level, and chronic diseases were demonstrated to be the risk factors for MPS 8,26,31-33 . Body mass index of >28 kg/m 2 is reported to be a risk factor for severe menopausal symptoms 37,38 .…”

“…We also demonstrated that the most prevalent menopausal symptoms among both urban and rural women were fatigue (68.19% vs 70.43%), vertigo (59.54% vs 68.63%), and muscle/joint pain (59.32% vs 62.84%); symptoms such as headaches (57.88% vs 61.38%), mood swings (57.42% vs 59.29%), and insomnia (57.21% vs 57.21%) were also frequently reported, which is consistent with previous reports of menopausal symptoms in Chinese women, 8,29,30 which revealed that somatic and psychological symptoms, instead of vasomotor symptoms, were the most common symptoms among Chinese menopausal women. Studies in the southwestern United States, 31 North India, 32 and Cambodia 33 also support this observation. In contrast, the most common symptoms experienced by Spanish and Peruvian urban and rural women were different.…”

“…that somatic and psychological symptoms, instead of vasomotor symptoms, were the most common symptoms among Chinese menopausal women. Studies in the southwestern United States, 31 North India, 32 and Cambodia 33 also support this observation. In contrast, the most common symptoms experienced by Spanish and Peruvian urban and rural women were different.…”

“…This disparity may be explained by the difference in factors such as ethnicity, diet, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and geographical situation. Low education level, overweight and obesity, vegetarian diet, and living separate from one's husband are factors that are more prevalent in rural China than urban China and were demonstrated to be positively associated with MPS symptoms 8,29,31-33 . Taking these negative factors into consideration, multidimensional nursing interventions are crucial for women in Gansu Province, particularly those residing in rural areas.…”

“…Similar to our results, few studies also showed that a high BMI, low income, no cohabitation partner, low education level, and chronic diseases were demonstrated to be the risk factors for MPS. 8,26,[31][32][33] Body mass index of >28 kg/m 2 is reported to be a risk factor for severe menopausal symptoms. 37,38 Obese women have increased concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormones associated with decreased estrogen levels.…”