In the face of unwanted weight gain becoming a widespread health challenge, several women in Ghazni province of Afghanistan report that they are suffering from excessive weight gain and are making efforts to reduce it, but without success.
Naziya, 35 years old, shares, “I’ve been married for five years, and for the past three years, I’ve gained weight day by day. Even though I follow a night diet, I still keep gaining weight, and it’s very frustrating.”
Samira, another woman, says, “I started gaining weight after giving birth to my second child. My weight keeps increasing every month, and compared to last year, I’ve gained more weight this year. My legs hurt, and I get tired quickly. I have no energy, and there’s no place to exercise.”
Maryam, another woman struggling with weight gain, explains that she has no access to weight-loss medications.
She adds, “I’ve visited doctors several times, asking for medication to lose weight, but they didn’t have anything specific. Even the tablets I got from a doctor in Kabul didn’t work. I’m not comfortable with my weight; it’s gotten too high. Almost everyone in my family has gained weight, and I’m not sure if it’s genetic or something else.”
Mohammad Ashraf Sahebzada, a doctor based in Ghazni, explains that women are more likely to suffer from unwanted weight gain compared to men, and there are several factors involved.
“The first category could be hormonal changes in women. The second category could be PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), which is a condition, and the third cause is poor nutrition, such as overeating and insufficient physical activity. Women who are infertile are particularly at risk for unwanted weight gain. They should eat a balanced diet, avoid fatty foods, consume smaller portions, and incorporate physical activity such as walking in the morning, showering, or doing free movements at home.”
Although unwanted weight gain can also affect men, women are more vulnerable due to pregnancy and a lack of physical activity, which can be mitigated with a consistent diet and exercise regime.
