Objective The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence, general morbidity patterns and the demographic/life style-related factors associated with overweight/obesity among women from different socio-economic groups residing in Bhaktapur City of Nepal.

Study design Cross-sectional descriptive.

Methods A total of 85 women, majority (53%) comprising housewives, were recruited for structured interviews through a multistage random sampling method. Their height and weight were also measured during the interviews. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated as per the WHO classification.

Results The study revealed that 44.7% women were overweight and 17.6% were obese. Overweight and obesity was higher in the age group 35 and above, non-breast feeding women and women with no or low mobility. Compared to non-obese women, the self- reported prevalence of asthma, low back pain and joint pain was statistically significantly higher among the overweight/obese women. Complaints of reproductive health problems like uterine and menstrual problems were also higher in overweight/obese women. The risk of low back pain among the overweight/obese women increased by 4.3 times compared to the underweight/normal group of women. The multiple binary regression analysis suggests that the lack of mobility or exercise is a main trigger for overweight/obesity among the married women in the study area.

Conclusion The prevalence of overweight/obesity among the married women was found to be higher than the national average for women. Hence targeted educational interventions are suggested to raise awareness about weight consciousness and healthy lifestyle choices among married women.