Obesity Increases Risk of Uterine Fibroids

Obesity could increase the risk of uterine fibroids (UFs), according to the results of a recent study.

Previous research has suggested a relationship between obesity and the risk of UFs, but the findings have been inconsistent.

In order to further examine this relationship, the researchers conducted a literature review and meta-analysis using data from 24 studies including 325,899 participants.

Overall, a positive association between obesity and the risk of UFs was observed (odds ratio 1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.29). Among patients with the highest changes in weight since age 18 years, the odds ratio for UFs was 1.26, 95% CI 1.12-1.42 compared with those with no change in weight.

“The results of this meta-analysis suggest that obesity may increase the risk/prevalence of UFs, and the association is non-linear,” they concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Qin H, Lin Z, Vasquez E, et al. Association between obesity and the risk of uterine fibroids: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Epidemiol Community Health 2021;75:197-204.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jech-2019-213364