diagnosis journal

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
Globally, obesity is a major health concern. It is a chronic condition caused by excessive fat deposition in body parts(1,2). It is classified into general and central obesity on the basis of fat distribution(2). When body fat accumulates mainly in the buttocks and thigh region, it is called general obesity and when fat accumulates in the abdominal region, it is called central obesity(2). Worldwide, obesity prevalence has doubled since 1990(1). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022, the global prevalence of overweight and obesity in women aged 18 and older was 44% and 16%, respectively(1). In 2019, obesity caused an estimated five million deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs)(1). According to National Nutrition Survey (NNS) 2018, obesity prevalence rose to 37.8%, up from 28% in NNS 2011.Multiple factors have been described by various scholars, despite inconsistence among them. Obesity prevalence is higher in women who are older(3), married(3), have high parity(4,5), of low socioeconomic status(3), have low education(6), consume excessive calories and junk food(7,8), lead sedentary lifestyle(6), are physically inactive(5,6), and have disturbed sleep(8). Similarly, women in Balochistan, like those in many other regions of Pakistan, lack knowledge about the significance of physical activity and a healthy diet. Furthermore, due to poverty, they often rely on cheap sources of energy instead of consuming fruits and vegetables(10). Additionally, women in this region also tend to have high parity due to cultural and religious beliefs. The risk factors not only contribute to the development of obesity but also increase risk of various chronic conditions. Obesity is a known predisposing factor to various non-communicable diseases (NCDs)(11). General obesity can result in different chronic diseases like cancer, and type 2 diabetes(11,12). Central obesity is strongly associated with cardiovascular disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)(13,14), various type of cancers(11), and type 2 diabetes(11). When general and central obesity combine, they have synergestic effects on some diseases, such as type 2 diabetes(15). Additionally, in women the risk of stroke and cancer increases when general and central obesity are combined(16,17). Despite the rising burden and health consequences of obesity, studies evaluating the prevalence and risk factors of obesity among women aged 30–49 in Balochistan remain scarce. Therefore, this research specifically focuses on this underexplored age group within the Balochistan region.