Association of Body Mass Index with Anemia Among Pregnant Women Visiting a University Hospital of Lahore

Abstract

Background & Objective: Anemia is among the most common nutritional disorders seen in pregnancy worldwide. The
issue is commoner in women of reproductive age, contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality. We aimed to
determine association of body mass Index (BMI) with anemia among pregnant women visiting a University Hospital of
Lahore.
Methodology: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at department of Obstetrics & Gynecology,
Lahore General Hospital, Lahore from September 2024 to December 2024. A total of 186 women falling into the
inclusion criteria were kept in the study. In all women, a blood sample was sent to the hospital laboratory after
collecting all the sociodemographic details on a pre-designed proforma. Iron deficiency anemia and Body Mass Index
were noted as per operational definition. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Patient age, gestational age,
parity, BMI, hemoglobin levels were represented by mean and standard deviation. Effect modifiers were controlled by
stratification and chi square test was applied post-stratification and p-value ≤0.05 was considered as significant.
Results: The study analyzed 186 pregnant women, revealing a significant association between Body Mass Index (BMI)
and anemia. Among participants, those categorized as obese (BMI ≥30) exhibited a higher prevalence of anemia (72%)
as compared to those with BMI ≤29 (10.53%). Multivariable logistic regression indicated that underweight women had
an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 3.00 (95% CI: 1.40-6.40; p=0.005), while overweight (AOR: 1.80; p=0.017) and obese
women (AOR: 2.20; p=0.011) also showed increased odds of anemia. Additionally, educational level and monthly
income were significantly linked to anemia, with illiterate women having a higher risk (AOR: 2.10; p=0.010) and those
earning less than 20,000 Rupees having an AOR of 1.95 (p=0.001).
Conclusion: The frequency of iron deficiency anemia is quite high in obese pregnant females. Public awareness
regarding maintenance of healthy body weight is very important.