Obese women and quality of life

Citation

McInnes R & Gray C (2013) Obese women and quality of life [Chapter 42]. In: Mahmood T & Arulkumaran S (eds.) Obesity: A Ticking Time Bomb For reproductive health. London: Elsevier, pp. 585-595. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-416045-3.00042-X

Abstract
Obesity is associated with reductions in quality of life, with women often experiencing greater impairment than men. General health problems, mobility/functional disability, depression and low self-esteem are commonly reported. Weight-related stigmatisation and societal pressure on women to be thin causes gender disparity in body image dissatisfaction. This can contribute to discomfort about health care encounters both generally and during childbearing, where the perceived attitudes of health professionals, physical examinations and discussions of weight status all have potential to cause distress. In pregnancy, exclusion from decision-making and medicalisation reduces obese women's opportunities to experience a more normal pregnancy and birth.

Keywords
Obesity; women; quality of life; stigmatisation; body image, health professionals; pregnancy; physical functioning; psychological health