A Comparative Study on Social and Psychological Consequences of Obesity in Working and Non Working Women

Abstract

Objective: To compare the social and psychological consequences of obesity and overweight on well being of working and non working women. Study Design: It was a community based descriptive study, conducted through cross-sectional approach with comparative characteristics. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Federal Government Schools and residential areas of Rawalpindi cantonment from 02^nd April to 27^th May, 2009.  Subjects & Methods: The study population comprised 200 obese and overweight women of age group 30-45 years: 100 women working in Federal Government Schools and 100 obese non working women residing in Rawalpindi cantonment area. This study sample of 200 obese women was selected through purposive sampling technique. Data was collected through interview on structured and pretested questionnaire and anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist and hip circumferences and forearm and wrist measurements) were taken by the researchers themselves for the purpose of working out Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) and Total Body Fat (TBF). Chi squared test was employed to determine the association between different variables. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. 

whereas that of non working women was Rs.52431±39.8. The mean number of children of working women was 2.8±1.4 and that of non working women was 4.14 6.9±1.4. The anthropometric data for BMI was 35.7±2.7 for non working women, while the same for working women was 33.4±2.8. Psychological data showed that 49% employed female never thought they have something to be proud of. 22% working women and 24% non working women were self conscious, 17% working women and 47% non working women were preoccupied with a desire to be thinner. 89% working women and 81% non working women did not go out on social occasion merely because they felt bad about their shape. 64% of working and 51% of non working women had a desire to have weight within normal limits.

Conclusion: Significant differences in the prevalence of image dissatisfaction and self esteem were observed among the two groups. Employment status was found to be a protective factor for psychological wellbeing and especially body image in obese females. There is dire need for halting and reversing the upward trends of obesity. Key Words: Body Image, Body Mass Index, Non Working Women, Obesity, Overweight, Waist Hip Ratio, Working Women, Body Image SatisfactionResults: The mean total family income of working women was Rs.80381±43.6

whereas that of non working women was Rs.52431±39.8. The mean number of children of working women was 2.8±1.4 and that of non working women was 4.14 6.9±1.4. The anthropometric data for BMI was 35.7±2.7 for non working women, while the same for working women was 33.4±2.8. Psychological data showed that 49% employed female never thought they have something to be proud of. 22% working women and 24% non working women were self conscious, 17% working women and 47% non working women were preoccupied with a desire to be thinner. 89% working women and 81% non working women did not go out on social occasion merely because they felt bad about their shape. 64% of working and 51% of non working women had a desire to have weight within normal limits. Conclusion: Significant differences in the prevalence of image dissatisfaction and self esteem were observed among the two groups. Employment status was found to be a protective factor for psychological wellbeing and especially body image in obese females. There is dire need for halting and reversing the upward trends of obesity. Key Words: Body Image, Body Mass Index, Non Working Women, Obesity, Overweight, Waist Hip Ratio, Working Women, Body Image Satisfaction.