Pattern of Body Mass Index and Common Health Problems in Women of Reproductive Age Group in a Private Clinic in Kathmandu

Abstract

Introduction: High Body Mass Index is one of the risk factors for many chronic diseases and adverse health outcomes. It is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It also have many adverse effect on reproductive health of the women like sub fertility, polycystic ovarian disease, menstrual abnormality etc. The purpose of this study is to find Basal Metabolic Rate and the diseases pattern of reproductive age woman in Nepal.

Methods: This is a descriptive study of women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years) attending a private gynaecology clinic in Kathmandu Valley from October 2016 to June 2017. Six hundred and eight women of current reproductive age group participated in this study. Women’s particulars and complaints were noted down. Detailed history was taken. Height, weight and blood pressure were recorded and general examination was done. BMI was calculated as BMI is weight in kilogram divided by height in meter square, and it was interpreted as per WHO guidelines.

Results: Out of the total 608 participants, 243 (40%) were overweight, 96 (15.8%) were obese. Regarding the common health problems, 154 (25.3%) have sub fertility and 199 (32%) had genitourinary infection. Similarly, 90 (14.8%) had menstrual problems.

Conclusions: Prevalence of overweight and obesity has risen significantly comparing to the study done decade ago in same setting. Similarly, sub fertility rate has also risen whereas the prevalence of genitourinary infections has decreased.

Keywords: BMI; genitourinary infection; Nepal-reproductive age women; sub fertility.