Weight Management Through a Woman’s Life Stages: A Practical Evidence-Based Guide

Abstract

Rates of obesity have climbed over the past few decades and are projected to continue to increase, with severe obesity expected to be the most common body mass index category for women in the coming decade. There are several ways in which weight plays a large role through a woman’s reproductive life, from sex-specific conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, to changes in her fertility and pregnancy risks, to impacting her well-being during menopause. Management of weight should be patient-centered and include consideration of the patient’s age, other health conditions and medications, and reproductive potential. This review highlights key considerations when treating weight in women patients, including impact on common sex-specific conditions and medications, evidence-based lifestyle counseling, and reproductive considerations of anti-obesity medications.