Obesity in women giving birth in Victoria, 2010–2019: a retrospective cohort study

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of obesity in pregnant women in Victoria, 2010–2019.Study designRetrospective cohort study; analysis of Victorian Perinatal Data Collection data.Setting, participantsWomen who gave birth in seventeen Victorian Department of Health areas (eight metropolitan, nine regional), 2010–2019.Main outcome measuresProportions of births to women with obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2), by Department of Health area and year.ResultsA total of 710 364 births with records that included the mothers’ BMI were recorded in Victoria during 2010–2019. The proportion of births to women with obesity rose from 19.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.3–19.9%) in 2010 to 21.5% (95% CI, 21.2–21.8%) in 2019; the proportion of births to women with normal weight declined from 49.0% (95% CI, 48.6–49.4%) to 46.8% (95% CI, 46.4–47.1%). In metropolitan areas, the proportion of births to women with obesity rose from 17.7% (95% CI, 17.7–17.8%) to 19.4% (95% CI, 19.3–19.4%); in regional areas, it increased from 25.0% (95% CI, 25.0–25.1%) to 29.1% (95% CI, 29.0–29.2%). The increase in prevalence of obesity was greater among women living in the lowest socio‐economic standing (Index of Relative Socio‐Economic Disadvantage) quintile than for those residing in the quintile of least disadvantage (adjusted rate ratio, 2.16; 95% CI, 2.12–2.20).ConclusionThe proportion of births to Victorian women with obesity rose during 2010–2019, particularly in regional areas. Ensuring that regional health services are adequately resourced to meet the needs of the increasing number of women at risk of obesity during pregnancy is vital.