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Preconception malnutrition among women and girls in south Asia: prevalence, determinants, and association with pregnancy and birth outcomes
File(s)
Author(s)
Miller, Faith
Sethi, Vani
Schoenaker, Danielle
Chowdhury, Ranadip
Verma, Raj Kumar
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
This review highlights the growing double burden of malnutrition among women of reproductive age in South Asia. Using nationally-representative survey data, we highlight that the prevalence of overweight now exceeds that of underweight, while anaemia remains persistently high despite intervention efforts. Underweight and anaemia are more common among unmarried women, whereas overweight is more prevalent among parous women, underscoring the need for life-stage-specific preconception nutrition programs. In our systematic review, micronutrient deficiencies vary widely between and within countries, reflecting regional disparities in nutritional status and inconsistencies in diagnostic methods. Associations of preconception underweight, overweight, anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies with health, nutrition, socio-demographic, and WASH indicators are mixed, emphasising the need for tailored, context-specific interventions. The lack of longitudinal studies limits our understanding of associations between preconception nutritional status and subsequent birth outcomes, underscoring the need for comprehensive, longitudinal studies across South Asia to inform and monitor targeted nutrition programs.
Date Issued
2025-05-01
Date Acceptance
2025-03-25
Citation
The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia, 2025, 36
URI
URL
DOI
ISSN
2772-3682
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia
Volume
36
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
License URL
Identifier
10.1016/j.lansea.2025.100587
Subjects
Nutrition
Preconception
Pregnancy planning
Adolescent
Anaemia
Micronutrient
Underweight
Overweight
Review
Demographic and health survey
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
100573
Date Publish Online
2025-04-24