We Care 4 'all' / SHE

Obesity is no longer a problem of the future—it’s happening now, and women in their reproductive years are among the most affected.  Across the globe, rising weight trends among this group are alarming for health systems, families, and future generations. Let’s start with the United States: nearly two out of three women of reproductive age are either overweight or obese. What’s more alarming is how quickly the weight shifts—within just two years, about 18% of women with normal weight transition to overweight or obesity, while 25% of already overweight women progress into the obesity category. Life events like childbirth and physical inactivity play a major role in this shift. This isn’t just an issue in Western countries. In countries like Bangladesh, the transformation has been dramatic. In 1999, only 7.5% of Bangladeshi women were overweight and 1.8% were obese. Fast forward to 2014, and those numbers had jumped to 28% and 10.7%, respectively. India too has seen a sharp rise—toda...

When it comes to planning or experiencing pregnancy, a woman’s health plays a key role in ensuring a safe journey for both mother and baby. One critical factor that is often overlooked is obesity—a condition that significantly increases the risk of miscarriage and a host of pregnancy-related complications. "Let’s explore how obesity can impact pregnancy and why addressing it is essential before conception (becoming pregnant)" 1. Increased Risk of Miscarriage Women with obesity face a higher chance of early pregnancy loss compared to those with a healthy weight. This is primarily due to: 👉 Insulin resistance 👉 Chronic low-grade inflammation 👉 Hormonal imbalances 👉 Poor egg (oocyte) quality These factors can disrupt embryo development, hinder implantation, and impair placental function, making early miscarriage more likely. ⚠️ 2. Pregnancy Complications Associated with Obesity Gestational diabetes: Obesity increases the likelihood of abnormal blood sugar regulation durin...