ABSTRACT
Changes in sex hormone during the menopausal transition are thought to have an important impact on weight gain. Obesity is known to be a determinant of health and disease; especially cardiovascular diseases. We studied the waist circumference, body mass index and its correlation with the blood pressure of a sample of menopausal women in Zaria. The height (m), weight (kg), waist circumference (cm) and blood pressure (mmHg) of the women was assessed using standard methods, while the body mass index (BMI ) in kg/m2 was calculated. 165 subjects participated in the study, 77 were premenopausal women while 88 were postmenopausal women with mean ages 25.51±0.60yrs and 53.59±0.65yrs respectively. The subjects were selected based on some exclusion criteria. Postmenopausal women were more likely to be overweight (mean BMI 25.96±0.53kg/m2) compared with their premenopausal counterparts (23.13±0.57kg/m2); p<0.001. The menopausal women also had a higher waist circumference (93.04±1.60cm) as compared with the premenopausal women (78.87±1.30cm); p<0.001. Only 73.86% of the postmenopausal women had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 whereas the prevalence of central obesity was 79%. However, there was a significant positive correlation observed between waist circumference and the body mass index (p<0.05). These findings suggest that obesity is prevalent among the menopausal women while the waist circumference was found to be a better measure in assessing obesity and thus cardiovascular risk among menopausal women in Zaria. We recommend the establishment of menopause clinics for early identification of women at risk and hence commencement of intervention.
Key words: Body Mass Index, Blood pressure, Menopause, Obesity, Waist circumference
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Materials and Methodology
- Results
- Discussion
- Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and blood pressure in a sample of postmenopausal women in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. The study sought to determine the prevalence of obesity and central obesity in this population, and to explore potential correlations between these factors and other variables such as age and parity. Key themes explored in the study include:- The impact of menopause on body composition and weight gain
- The role of obesity as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease
- The effectiveness of waist circumference as a measure of central obesity and cardiovascular risk
- The prevalence of obesity and its correlation with blood pressure in postmenopausal women
- The importance of establishing menopause clinics for early identification and intervention
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Abstract
This chapter provides a concise overview of the study's objectives, methodology, key findings, and recommendations. It highlights the prevalence of obesity and central obesity among postmenopausal women in Zaria, and emphasizes the importance of early intervention and the need for menopause clinics.Introduction
The introduction sets the context for the study, discussing the rising prevalence of obesity worldwide and its implications for health and disease, particularly cardiovascular diseases. It highlights the impact of menopause on body composition, specifically the increase in central adiposity and its association with various health risks.Materials and Methodology
This chapter details the study design, sample selection, data collection methods, and statistical analysis techniques. It outlines the inclusion and exclusion criteria for participants, describes the measurements taken (weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure), and explains the calculations performed to determine BMI and prevalence of obesity.Results
The results chapter presents the key findings of the study, including demographic data, anthropometric measurements, and statistical correlations between variables. It compares the characteristics of premenopausal and postmenopausal women, highlighting the differences in BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure.Discussion
This chapter analyzes the study's findings in light of existing literature, discussing the implications for understanding the health risks associated with obesity and central adiposity in postmenopausal women. It emphasizes the importance of using waist circumference as a reliable indicator of cardiovascular risk, and advocates for early intervention strategies to address the issue of obesity in menopausal women.Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The study focuses on the relationship between body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure in postmenopausal women, exploring the prevalence of obesity and central obesity, and examining their correlations with other factors like age and parity. Key terms include: body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, menopause, obesity, central obesity, cardiovascular risk, and postmenopausal women.- Quote paper
- Joseph Toryila (Author), L.N. Achie (Author), K.V. Olorunshola (Author), J.A. Tende (Author), 2012, The Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference and Blood Pressure of Postmenopausal Women in Zaria, Northern Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/192048
