The Escalating Prevalence and Classification of Obesity in Pregnancy

Obesity is now recognized as one of the most urgent global health challenges of the 21st century, affecting individuals of all ages and socioeconomic strata. In obstetric care, this issue has become particularly critical, given the well-established associations between rising maternal Body Mass Index (BMI) and numerous adverse pregnancy outcomes. According to national data, up to 41.9% of adults in the United States have obesity, and among women of childbearing age, the proportion is also sizable and growing. Even more concerning is the increasing prevalence of “Super obesity,” often defined as a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m^2, which portends a uniquely high risk of complications. This review synthesizes key findings that elucidate the relationship between obesity and pregnancy outcomes, with a special focus on the management of super obesity (BMI ≥ 50 kg/m^2). Keywords Obesity; Pregnancy; Super obesity