Obese Women

In the United States, the prevalence of obese women is almost double that of obese men. Studies have shown that more than one-third of American women are currently obese. In the United States, obese women are more commonly members of a minority and of a lower socio-economic status, and middle-aged women are at the highest risk of becoming obese.

Obesity and Women - Health Risks

According to studies, obese women are at an increased risk of developing varying health problems.

General Health Problems

Obese women are at an increased risk for:

• Arthritis
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Stroke  
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Incontinence

Cancer

Obese women are more likely than non-obese women to develop cancer of the:

• Gallbladder
• Breast
• Cervix
• Pancreas
• Uterus
• Ovaries
• Endometrium

Fertility Problems

Obese women are also more likely to face reproductive problems such as:

• Infertility
• Menstrual irregularities
• Ovarian cysts
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Obesity and Women - Social Effects

Obese women are often the victims of depression. In a society that stresses the beauty of slenderness, women who are obese face substantial social discrimination, even more than obese men.

Obese women also face employment and workplace discrimination. In fact, a recent study shows that formerly obese women who underwent weight loss surgery saw a drop in unemployment from 84 to 64 percent.

Speak to a Weight Loss Surgeon

If you are an obese woman and meet the requirements for weight loss surgery, schedule a consultation with a bariatric surgeon in your area to discuss your weight loss options.