Authors: Roua Shoub Gbril Ali , Ghadeer Adel Alghamdi , Maliha Khalid khan , Amal Humed Ali , Ali Maksoud , Ziad Ashour

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a major global health concern and a significant risk factor for multiple chronic conditions. Middle-aged women are particularly vulnerable due to hormonal, metabolic, and lifestyle changes during this stage of life. Despite being exposed to health education in healthcare settings, this group continues to face challenges in adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyles.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and explore its association with lifestyle determinants, psychosocial well-being, and comorbidities among middle-aged women.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 303 middle-aged women attending Care Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed dietary habits, physical activity, sleep patterns, fatigue, and psychosocial factors, in addition to anthropometric measurements. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed using SPSS to evaluate associations between obesity and lifestyle variables.

Results: The prevalence of obesity was 9.2%, while 30.8% of participants were overweight. Although most women reported adherence to healthy lifestyle practices, obesity was significantly associated with higher levels of daytime fatigue (p = 0.009), strong dissatisfaction with body weight (p < 0.001), and lower psychosocial well-being, particularly reduced interest or pleasure in daily activities (p = 0.010). Intake of fruits and vegetables was generally inadequate across the sample, although obese participants reported higher consumption compared with non-obese (p = 0.037). Comorbidities such as sleep disorders, hypertension, and mood disturbances were more common among obese participants, though most differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Overweight and obesity are common among middle-aged women and are strongly linked with psychosocial strain, weight dissatisfaction, and fatigue, despite reported engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviors. These findings emphasize the multifactorial nature of obesity and highlight the need for comprehensive prevention strategies that integrate nutritional counseling, physical activity promotion, sleep hygiene, and mental health support within hospital-based programs.

Keywords: Obesity, overweight, middle-aged women, lifestyle factors, physical activity, diet, sleep, prevalence, comorbidities.