Review article

Three Key Events in the Development of Obesity in Women: Puberty, Puerperium and Perimenopause

Maja Baretić

Abstract

Obesity is a complex and chronic disease that significantly impacts the health of women worldwide. Over the past decades, there has been a notable increase in obesity among adult women, linked to biological, psychological, and social factors. Women’s unique biological characteristics, including hormonal changes throughout life, influence various weight gain patterns during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Estrogen and gestagens play a crucial role in regulating appetite and fat distribution, while social norms and pressures can lead to emotional eating and eating disorders. During puberty and adolescence, increased weight in girls can affect the timing of menarche, posing long-term risks for obesity and other health complications. In pregnancy, weight gain is physiological, but excessive gain can have serious consequences for both the mother and child. Menopause brings a slowdown in metabolism and an increase in visceral fat, heightening the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Understanding these specifics and integrating them into obesity treatment in women is crucial for therapeutic success. The life event graph, which illustrates weight changes during different life stages, can help identify triggers for weight gain and plan appropriate therapy.

Keywords

obesity; puberty; puerperium; perimenopause

Hrčak ID:

328485

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/328485

Publication date:

27.2.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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