Did You Know: Understanding Women’s Health and Obesity

The prevalence of obesity in U.S. adults is 40.3%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are notable misconceptions, misinformation, and misdiagnoses surrounding the topic of obesity. The Society for Women’s Health Research created this resource to help close many of these gaps, particularly as they pertain to women’s health.

There are sex differences in metabolism and obesity. Obesity is a complex disease resulting from a combination of internal and external factors, including sex, genetics, hormones, psychology, environment, and socioeconomics.

Download Sex Differences In Obesity Fact Card

A chronic disease is defined as a condition that lasts 1 or more years and requires ongoing medical attention and/or limits daily living activities. Obesity is a chronic disease.

Download Obesity and Chronic Conditions Fact Card 

Obesity is complex disease that has different causes and presentations in each individual. The idea that obesity is an individual choice or failure is inaccurate and unhelpful. Obesity is more complicated than calorie consumption.

Download Obesity Causes and Risk Factors Fact Card 

Treating obesity requires a holistic health approach. Because of the multiple types and causes of obesity, it is important that obesity management considers the broad factors that influence women’s metabolic health.

Download Obesity Treatment Fact Card 

Additional References

1. Chait A, den Hartigh LJ. Adipose tissue distribution, inflammation and its metabolic consequences, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2020;7:22.

2. Chang E, Varghese M, Singer K. Gender and sex differences in adipose tissue. Curr Diab Rep. 2018;18(9):69.

3. Chao AM, Loughead J, Bakizada ZM, et al. Sex/gender differences in neural correlates of food stimuli: a systematic review of functional neuroimaging studies. Obes Rev. 2017;18(6):687-699.

4. Cooper AJ, Gupta SR, Moustafa AF, Chao AM. Sex/gender differences in obesity prevalence, comorbidities, and treatment. Curr Obes Rep. 2021;10(4):458-466.

5. Cynthia M, Ferrara NA, Lynch BJ, Nicklas AS, Ryan DM, Berman L. Differences in adipose tissue metabolism between postmenopausal and perimenopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2022;87(9):4166-4170.

6. Fitch AK, Bays HE. Obesity definition, diagnosis, bias, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and telehealth: an Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) clinical practice statement (CPS) 2022. Obes Pillars. 2022;15(1):100004.

7. Marassi M, Cignarella A, Russo GT, et al. Sex differences in the weight response to GLP-1RA in people with type 2 diabetes: a long-term longitudinal real-world study. Pharmacol Res. 2025;219:107866.

8. Orsso CE, Colin-Ramirez E, Field CJ, et al. Adipose tissue development and expansion from the womb to adolescence: an overview. Nutrients. 2020;12(9):2735.

9. Petrin C, Kahan S, Turner M, Gallagher C, Dietz WH. Current attitudes and practices of obesity counselling by health care providers. Obes Res Clin Pract. 2017;11(3):352-359.

10. Puhl RM, Himmelstein MS, Pearl RL. Weight stigma as a psychosocial contributor to obesity. Am Psychol. 2020;75(2):274-289.

11. Ryan DH, Lingvay I, Deanfield J, et al. Long-term weight loss effects of semaglutide in obesity without diabetes in the SELECT trial. Nat Med. 2024;30:2049-2057.

12. Taylor RW, Grant AM, Williams SM, Goulding A. Sex differences in regional body fat distribution from pre- to postpuberty. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2010;18(7):1410-1416.

13. Tsai SA, Lv N, Xiao L, Ma J. Gender differences in weight-related attitudes and behaviors among overweight and obese adults in the United States. Am J Mens Health. 2015;10(5):389-398.

14. Williams MS, McKinney SJ, Cheskin LJ. Social and structural determinants of health and social injustices contributing to obesity disparities. Curr Obes Rep. 2024;13(3):617-625.

This document is intended to serve as an educational and informative resource and is not intended or implied to serve as a substitute for medical or professional advice. The Society for Women’s Health Research does not make medical, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, nor does it endorse or promote specific screening or diagnostic tests. Patients and consumers should confirm information and consult a professional health care provider to determine individual needs. The Society will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising therefrom.

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Support for this educational program has been provided by Novo Nordisk. SWHR maintains independence and editorial control over program development, content, and work products.