Global obesity and the effect on women's health.

The rates of obesity are increasing in all areas of the world. The pattern of diseases in many areas of the world is shifting rapidly to diseases that are chronic and noncommunicable. These changes are occurring so rapidly that existing health care infrastructure in many parts of the world are likely to be stressed. Many aspects of women's health will be worsened as they become more obese. Coordinated efforts to reverse the obesity trend are being made and individuals and teams working within women's health globally should coordinate with existing efforts to provide data and consistent messages.