Occurrence of Nutritional Deficiencies (Ferritin, Vitamin B12, and D) and Abnormal BMI Among Women of Reproductive Age: Implications for Sustainable Food‐Based Interventions

Diverse dietary transitions across populations have contributed to the simultaneous rise of under‐ and over‐nutrition, especially among women of reproductive age, where such imbalances have direct implications for obstetric, neonatal, and long‐term metabolic outcomes. Therefore, this study examines the prevalence and co‐occurrence of abnormal body mass index (BMI) and selected micronutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D) in non‐pregnant women of reproductive age (18–40 years). Using a cross‐sectional design, non‐pregnant women aged 18–40 years were evaluated for anthropometric status, hematological indices, and serum levels of ferritin, vitamin B12, and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D. Insulin resistance (IR) was assessed using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR). Descriptive statistics were used to estimate prevalence, while chi‐square tests and multivariate logistic regression models identified associations between age, BMI categories, micronutrient status, and IR. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported using SPSS version 26. Among the study population, 44.07% exhibited abnormal BMI with concurrent anemia, including overweight with anemia (27.59%), obesity with anemia (10.37%), and underweight with anemia (6.11%). Ferritin deficiency was present in 49.85% of participants, though only 57.22% of these had anemia, indicating subclinical iron depletion. Vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiencies were found in 34.25% and 67% of women, respectively. IR was observed in 42.82% of subjects. Women aged 33–40 years had a significantly higher likelihood of presenting with abnormal BMI and at least one micronutrient deficiency (OR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.09–2.12). The clustering of abnormal BMI, micronutrient deficiencies, and IR, especially women of reproductive age, not only calls for age‐specific metabolic screening but also dietary diversification, nutrient‐rich food promotion, and context‐specific fortification to address both visible and hidden forms of malnutrition in reproductive‐aged women.