Obesity is a major public health issue in the Middle East, affecting 54.2% of women and 31.4% of men in the region. A new analysis from the ANCORS-YW study, presented at ACC Middle East 2024, reveals that overweight and obese women are at a higher risk for hypertension and other cardiovascular issues compared to those with a normal body mass index (BMI). This finding underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions that address the socioeconomic factors influencing health to lower cardiovascular risks among young women in the Middle East.
Dr. Mohammad Adnan Bani Baker, a medical doctor at Prince Hamza Hospital in Amman, Jordan, stated, “Young Middle Eastern women who are obese or overweight face a greater risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and related issues like hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.”
The researchers analyzed data from 626 participants aged 18 to 50 years, with an average age of about 42.9 years. Health professionals, medical residents, and students evaluated these participants. By focusing on this specific demographic, the study aimed to better understand how obesity contributes to early cardiovascular risk factors.
“This group is often overlooked in global research, especially regarding the Middle East’s high obesity and cardiovascular disease rates,” Dr. Bani Baker noted. “We hope this study will highlight the need for targeted interventions to protect this vulnerable population.”
The study found that overweight and obese women had higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, and continued weight gain after pregnancy. Additionally, these women tended to be older and less educated.
To tackle these cardiovascular risks, Dr. Bani Baker recommends a multidisciplinary approach that includes lifestyle modification programs, public health campaigns, educational initiatives, and socioeconomic support. These lifestyle programs should promote healthy eating and increased physical activity tailored to cultural preferences in the Middle East.
Public health campaigns would aim to raise awareness about cardiovascular risks and encourage early detection and treatment for hypertension and diabetes among young women.
Educational programs should specifically target young women with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of weight management before and after pregnancy. Socioeconomic support during cardiovascular screenings is essential to help women from lower educational and income backgrounds access healthcare.
“Tailored preventive strategies that consider gender-specific factors are crucial for achieving global cardiovascular health goals,” Dr. Bani Baker said. “Our findings can help healthcare providers develop earlier prevention programs and emphasize the importance of weight management.”
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