Indian women are being affected by obesity, and it is starting early in life, doctors have warned. In fact, recent data suggests that more than half of women in the age group of 18–30 are already overweight, a trend that experts say that there is a demand for immediate public health.

A new consensus statement published in the Indian Journal of Obsthetrix and Gynecology Research has raised concerns about the increasing burden of obesity among women, especially in the reproductive age group. Dr. of Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. Under the leadership of Nandita Palashetkar, as well as 11 other experts from all over India, the study clearly clinical recommendations of how doctors should assess and manage obesity among Indian women, with specific guidance to those who are planning pregnancy.

This paper is an initiative of the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), and attracts more than 75 studies, including government surveys and global reports.

What number says

According to the report, the problem of obesity is not limited to urban or rich women. In fact, the National Family Health Survey -5 (2019–21) found that 33.2% of urban women and 19.7% rural women in India suffer from overweight or obesity (more than 25 kg/m have been defined as BMI of more than 25 kg/mi.²,

The number climbs rapidly with age. A study by more than 6.4 lakh Indian women found that about 49% of the age group of 35–49 were more weight or thick. In the age group of 18–30, another study showed that more than half, 52.4%, already thick.

“The trends are very clear. Obesity is increasing and affecting young women, including planning of those.

From PCOS to Stillbarth, how obesity affects women’s health

Obesity in women is associated with a wide range of health complications, some of them are unique to women. This includes:

• Irregular period and infertility
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Pregnancy during pregnancy diabetes and hypertension
• High risk of abortion and stilging
• Urinary incontinence and uterine fibroids
• C-section and risk of complications of birth increased

Doctors say that these effects begin early from puberty, and continue through menopause. Obesity also worsens conditions such as depression, metabolic syndrome and heart disease in postmenopausal women.

Unanimously gynecologists and primary care doctors are called regularly to assess BMI, waist circumference and lifestyle factors in women-either if they plan to conceive if they are planning to conceive.

Why 5-10% losing body weight can lead to a big difference

The study stated that a slight weight loss as 5–10% of body weight can also improve hormonal balance, restore ovulation, reduce insulin resistance, and increase natural conception or IVF success.

Women with PCOS have lost weight:

• Better menstrual regularity
• Better ovulation
• High living birth rate
• Low abortion risk

In addition, weight loss improves urinary incontinence, mobility and mental health, which increases the overall quality of life.

“Ideally before conception, by managing obesity, we can significantly improve reproductive results during pregnancy and reduce risks. Nandita Palshetkar, Medical Director, Bloom IVF Lilavati Hospital said.

What works: diet, exercise, therapy, and when needed, medicines

Expert panel recommends that lifestyle changes should be the first line of treatment. It also includes:

• Sugar and saturated fat
• Fiber and protein intake
• Exercise of at least 150 minutes per week
• Mindfulness, part control, and sleep hygiene

For some women, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) may help address emotional food and support weight loss.

When alone changes in lifestyle are not enough, doctors may consider medication for women with more than 27 BMIs and related health status, or BMI more than 30.

Currently, Orlistat is available in India. Semaglutide (2.4 mg) has been approved by the drug regulator, but is not yet available in the Indian market. These drugs have shown the effects of significant weight loss in clinical trials, with improvement in hormone levels and reproductive parameters. However, they are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Bariatric surgery is an option, but only for some

For women with BMI with more than 35 or serious health complications, bariatric surgery can be considered. The process has been linked to rapid weight loss, better fertility, improvement in better hormone levels, and reduced risk during pregnancy. However, conception is recommended, only after surgery after a waiting period of 12 months.

What should pregnant women do?

Doctors warns against using weight loss drugs during pregnancy. Instead, they recommend lifestyle intervention, such as diet and exercise, as the safest and most effective way to prevent complications.

Weight gain during pregnancy should be monitored and correspond to BMI categories, while postpartum weight management should include structured programs for weight loss of 0.5 kg/week.

“Breastfeeding must be encouraged, and anti-object drugs can only be considered after the termination of breastfeeding. Perimenopausal and post-manopauseal for women, muscle mass, screening for bone health and screening are important for metabolic disorders, before applying weight management strategies.

Unanimously provides unanimous trimster-specific weight gain guidelines and emphasizing postpartum weighing through breastfeeding support, structured diet and exercise-a time breastfeeding stops, drugs can be reconsidered under medical advice.

Obesity among Indian women is not only about the body image, it is a serious medical issue with long -term health results. ISAR -led recommendations provide doctors very important roadmaps to manage and treat obesity more effectively.