This study aimed to describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a population of women older than 50 years (50-83 years) in urban and rural areas in Guilan. A total number of 731 women aged 50 years and above were randomly selected from the urban area (n=420) and rural areas (n=291). Data on age, educational levels, employment status, parity, body weight and height were collected. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was higher among older women in the urban area than rural areas (82.1% vs. 66.1% p<0.0001). Overweight/obesity was not related to educational level in this population. In conclusion, these results showed that overweight and obesity is highly prevalent among older women in the urban and rural areas in Guilan. Obesity in old age is associated with a poor quality of life. Preventive measures may lessen the burden of disease and impaired quality of life associated with excess weight.
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