Washington, Oct 26: At the postmenopausal age, women are at an increased risk of suffering from chronic health diseases associated with obesity, says a study.

The study, authored by Karen E. Dennis, reviewed the physiological, psychological and social issues related to obesity that were relevant to postmenopausal women and also underlies the importance of the involvement of nurses and other healthcare professionals for treating the problem.

Since women are at a risk for gaining weight as they age, the postmenopausal women become the vulnerable population. Also, they are more at risk for being overweight or obese than men.

The study stated that it was very essential for health care providers to understand the health consequences of obesity and so they should incorporate the penalties of obesity into their health promotion strategies for postmenopausal women.

“Postmenopausal women stand at a crossroad, facing the possibility of living the remainder of their lives in essentially good health or facing the probable onset of chronic diseases that might have been prevented,” says. Dennis said.

“By first understanding the health consequences of being overweight, nurses have a unique opportunity to work with women of all ages in fighting obesity,” she said.

Obesity can lead to an aggravated risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, cancer, osteoarthritis and mental health problems.

The study is published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynaecologic, & Neonatal Nursing. (ANI)