Currently, France is home to 8 million individuals suffering from obesity. This number continues to rise, leading to the startling statistic that one in two adults in France is facing overweight issues. This trend is particularly alarming among women, who are most affected. What underlying mechanisms contribute to this disparity? Through hormonal changes and endocrine disruptors, Ma Santé explores the causes behind this gender injustice.
Obesity has emerged as a significant public health concern in France. The rise in obesity rates among both adults and children is particularly worrisome, having escalated exponentially over the past twenty years. While the overall number of adult cases has roughly doubled, trends suggest stability among men. In contrast, the epidemic continues to expand among women, as highlighted by a recent report from Santé publique France. This societal phenomenon raises critical questions about the specific reasons for this gender gap.
Overweight and obesity are two degrees of excess weight. Overweight is classified by a Body Mass Index (BMI) ranging from 25 to 29.9, whereas obesity begins at a BMI of 30. Obesity poses more severe health risks compared to being overweight, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Obesity: Women Are The Most Affected
According to Santé publique France, recent data reveal a distinct variation based on sex:
- For men: since 1996, the percentage of overweight men has risen from 40% to 48%, a figure that appears to be stabilizing. Obesity among men increased from 7% in 1996 to 14% in 2016 before slightly declining to 13% in 2017.
- For women: the rate of overweight women climbed from under 25% in 1996 to nearly 40% in 2017. The obesity rate has also surged from less than 6% in 1996 to 14% in 2017, reflecting a more pronounced increase than that seen in men.
This trend in France is part of a broader global issue. Both overweight and obesity rates are on the rise across all Western nations, with women often facing a greater impact. In the United States, for instance, nearly 40% of women are classified as obese—a figure considerably higher than that in France.
Why Are Women More Affected By Obesity?
Several factors help explain why women are especially vulnerable to obesity:
Physical Activity and Lifestyle: The decline in physical activity among women is alarming. According to ANSES (the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), 70% of women do not engage in sufficient physical activity to maintain good health. In contrast, men’s activity levels remain relatively stable.
This trend, combined with an increased intake of calorie-dense foods, contributes significantly to weight gain.
Hormonal Influences and Menopause: Hormonal shifts associated with menopause significantly influence weight gain. This life stage alters body fat distribution and makes weight management more challenging for many women.
Social and Psychological Vulnerability: Women often face heightened exposure to psychosocial factors such as stress and eating disorders.
- For example, according to the High Authority of Health, 21% of adults aged 18 to 65 will experience severe disorders during their lifetime, with women being twice as likely to be affected compared to men.
- A study by Stimulus indicates that while both sexes encounter similar pressures at work, 28% of women report experiencing severe stress, as opposed to 20% of men.
Cases of bulimia exemplify this phenomenon well. This pathological hunger is often triggered by emotional or psychological stress and predominantly affects women, who constitute 83% of those diagnosed.
Lastly, endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA), found in the environment, may also influence weight gain.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Preventing obesity does not have a one-size-fits-all solution. A healthy lifestyle is crucial. To achieve this, adopt a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, control portion sizes, and ensure adequate sleep.
