Did socioeconomic inequalities in overweight and obesity in South African women of childbearing age improve between 1998 and 2016? A decomposition analysis.

Overweight and obesity in adult women contribute to deaths and disability from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity-related health problems in their offspring. Globally, overweight and obesity prevalence among women of childbearing age (WCBA) has increased, but associated socioeconomic inequality remains unclear. This study, therefore, assesses the changing patterns in the socioeconomic inequality in overweight and obesity among South African non-pregnant WCBA between 1998 and 2016. It uses data from the 1998 and 2016 Demographic and Health Surveys. Socioeconomic inequality in overweight and obesity was assessed using the concentration index (C). The index was decomposed to identify contributing factors to obesity and overweight inequalities. Factors contributing to changes in inequalities between 1998 and 2016 were assessed using the Oaxaca-type decomposition approach. Socioeconomic inequalities in overweight and obesity among WCBA in South Africa increased between 1998 (C of 0.02 and 0.06, respectively) and 2016 (C of 0.04 and 0.08, respectively). Socioeconomic status was the biggest contributor to overweight and obesity inequalities for both years. The Oaxaca-type decomposition showed that race and urban residence are major contributors to changes in overweight and obesity inequalities. Policies such as the current tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and subsidising fruits and vegetables, among others, are needed to prioritise WCBA, especially for those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, in addressing inequalities in overweight and obesity in South Africa.