Obesity Medicine

Gynaecology & Obstetrics

Obesity significantly impacts gynecological and obstetric health, affecting fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term maternal well-being. Excess body weight disrupts hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, polycystic ovary syndrome, and impaired ovulation, which can reduce fertility in women of reproductive age. During pregnancy, obesity increases the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, hypertension, and complications during labor and delivery. Additionally, obese mothers are more likely to require cesarean sections, and their infants have a higher risk of macrosomia, congenital abnormalities, and neonatal intensive care admissions. Postpartum, obesity can affect lactation, wound healing, and the risk of developing long-term metabolic conditions. Managing obesity before, during, and after pregnancy is crucial to minimizing maternal and fetal complications. Interventions include dietary guidance, physical activity programs, behavioral therapy, and careful medical monitoring. Healthcare professionals must adopt a multidisciplinary approach involving obstetricians, endocrinologists, dietitians, and mental health specialists to optimize outcomes for both mother and child. Research in this field focuses on understanding how maternal obesity impacts fetal development and identifying strategies to reduce adverse outcomes while promoting healthy maternal weight management.