A new study from Nepal found that more than half of women aged 15-49 were overweight or obese in one city area. Researchers looked at 318 women and discovered that older age, higher education levels, and low physical activity were the biggest factors linked to excess weight. The study shows how modern city life in developing countries is changing people’s health, with lifestyle choices playing a major role in weight gain among women of childbearing age.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How common overweight and obesity are among women of childbearing age in a city in Nepal, and what factors make it more likely
  • Who participated: 318 women between ages 15-49 living in Ratnanagar Municipality, a city area in Nepal’s Chitwan district
  • Key finding: 51.6% of the women were overweight or obese - that’s more than 1 in every 2 women studied
  • What it means for you: Age, education level, and physical activity appear to be key factors in weight management, though this was only studied in one specific area of Nepal