Abstract
Obesity and unintended pregnancy differentially affect women based on sociodemographic
factors. Because of the overlap of these factors, obesity and unintended pregnancy
have been described as colliding epidemics. Understanding the relationship between
obesity and unintended pregnancy, contraceptive use, and sexual behavior is important
in improving the reproductive health of women given the increasing weight demographic.
A review of the literature reveals contraceptive use versus nonuse does not differ
in women of different body weights. Obese women use oral contraceptives less than
normal weight women and are more likely to use procedural methods like sterilization.
No difference was noted in most types of sexual behavior for women of different body
weights.
Keywords
contraceptive - obese - sexual behavior - unintended pregnancy - birth control