Weight-related quality of life in obese, pregnant women in South Africa. Issue 3 (27th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tisane, MA; Van der Merwe, JL; Hall, DR
• Is Part Of: JEMDSA. Volume 22:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 43
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2017-09-27
• Subjects: obesity -- pregnancy -- quality of life -- morbid obesity -- super-obesity; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Diabetes -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; Endocrine System Diseases; Metabolism; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetes; Endocrinology; Metabolism; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.4
• DOI: 10.1080/16089677.2017.1368959
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1608-9677

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The global obesity pandemic includes pregnant women. Obesity may negatively impact quality of life (QOL). A validated, obesity-specific, QOL assessment tool was used to assess the impact of obesity on five specific domains. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed at Tygerberg Academic Hospital in South Africa. Morbid obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 40–49.9 kg/m 2 and super-obesity as BMI > 50 kg/m 2, using the first recorded weight during the pregnancy. Pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 40 were approached in the high-risk antenatal clinic where written informed consent was taken before recruitment. Using the QOL tool they answered statements about their current experiences. Results: A total of 66 morbidly obese and 46 super-obese women were enrolled across an age range of 18–45 years. Physical function and self-esteem were the domains with the lowest QOL scores. When comparing morbid with super obesity, all scores were significantly lower in the latter group except for the domains of self-esteem and sexual life. Conclusion: Morbid and super-obesity occur across the full spectrum of the adult reproductive period. Physical function and self-esteem are most affected while QOL is linked to the degree of obesity.