A Multilevel Analysis of Over-weight and Obesity among Non-Pregnant Women of Reproductive Age in Bangladesh: Evidence from BDHS data, 2014

Background: Over-weight and Obesity are major public health challenges. It causes non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, cancer, fatty liver diseases, and pregnancy problems. Bangladesh is also facing a major crisis of overweight and obesity. In 1980, 7% of adults were overweight and obese in 2013, which climbed up to 17%.

Objectives: We aim to explore the individual and community level factors associated with overweight and obesity among non-pregnant women of reproductive age. Compare to different geographical areas multilevel analysis provides adaptive measures to policymakers and raises consciousness about overweight and obesity.

Methods: Descriptive analysis and Multilevel models are used to find significant factors that are affecting overweight and obesity using BDHS data,2014.

Results: At the individual level, results showed that (15-19) years of women from the poorest household had reduced odds of being overweight and obese. At the community level, women from urban areas and women who were less exposed to media have increased odds of being overweight and obese.78% of the total variance among the communities was explained by both community-level and individual factors.

Conclusion: Women from the richest household should be targeted during policy-making at the community level. There lies the geographical effect of overweight and obesity at the community level and should be considered for nutrition policies.

• Supervision