OBESE AND OVERWEIGHT WOMEN

A BMI of 25.0 kg/m2 or above indicates overweight or obesity which is associated with a higher risk for developing non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes are the more common causes of death.

Risk factors contributing to these diseases include smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol, of which a large numbers of women have adopted these unhealthy habits, particularly in developed regions. Moreover, while the prevalence of obesity has increased among both sexes, women appear to be slightly more affected (14 per cent of women aged 20 and over are obese compared to 10 per cent of men).

Seventeen percent of women are overweight (BMI of 25-29 kg/m2), and 8 percent are obese (BMI of 30 kg/m2 or above). Variations in overweight or obesity among women are apparent by background characteristics. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among women of reproductive age increases with age and is higher in urban areas (33 percent) than rural areas (18 percent). Overweight or obesity is most prevalent in Lagos (49 percent) and the Abuja FCT (44 percent).