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Understanding Postpartum Obesity in Asian Indian (AI) Women in the County of Los Angeles
The obesity rate in India has nearly tripled over the past 25 years. The largest number of AI immigrants in the US resides in California. Limited published data exists on prevalence and attitude on obesity in post-partum AI women in the US. 1% (n=130,313) of deliveries in LA County are to AI women, who have a higher incidence of insulin resistance and complications due to obesity at a lower BMI (Normal BMI – 18 -22.9 kg /m2) compared to other ethnicities.
Methods
A self administered 14 question survey which assessed BMI, attitudes, interventions and approaches to weight loss among AI postpartum women was conducted. Descriptive analysis was performed.
Results
115 surveys were completed. Using the WHO BMI grid for SEAI 38 % (44/115) had a normal BMI, 17.4 % (20/115) were overweight and 41.7% (n= 48/115) were obese. 71% (71/115) said ‘YES’ that they want to lose weight. 60% reported being successful in losing weight. Factors cited contributing to weight loss included exercise, 81.82% (81/115) and eating healthier 62.63% (62/115). Barriers cited were lack of time (82%, 82/115) and lack of child care (13%, 12/115). 64% (74/115) said that they were actively exercising after pregnancy.
Conclusion
Obesity among AI women in the US is under-studied. Understanding the drivers helping AI women succeed in weight loss will assist in developing culturally specific interventions to reduce postpartum obesity, its health consequences and improve the health of mothers and their families.
Learning Areas:
Diversity and cultureEpidemiology
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Analyze the prevalence of obesity in Asian Indian women
Evaluate factors leading to maternal obesity in Asian Indian women
Identify barriers Asian Indian women faced in losing weight
Keyword(s): Maternal and Child Health, Obesity
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: AS a public Health intern in Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Programs, I performed background research, data collection and analysis.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.