INTRODUCTION

Understanding the body composition and physical status of middle-aged women is not only crucial for promoting their health and well-being but also for addressing the unique challenges they face during this transitional phase of life. Middle-aged women experience a multitude of physiological changes, driven by factors such as hormonal fluctuations, aging processes, and lifestyle choices. These changes manifest in alterations in fat distribution, muscle mass, and bone density, all of which can impact overall health outcomes.

As women progress through middle age, maintaining optimal body composition becomes increasingly important. Excess fat accumulation, particularly around the abdomen, is linked to higher risks of cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders. Conversely, preserving lean muscle mass and bone density is essential for maintaining strength, and mobility and reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Beyond physiological changes, lifestyle factors play a pivotal role in shaping body composition and physical health in middle-aged women. Factors such as diet quality, physical activity levels, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare services all contribute to health outcomes. Employed women and housewives, for instance, may have different daily routines and opportunities for physical exercise, which can significantly influence their body composition and overall health status.

This study aims to delve into these complexities by analysing key parameters of body composition, including total body fat, fat-free mass, bone mass, muscle mass, and body mass index (BMI), among middle-aged women in Varanasi City. By comparing these variables between employed women and housewives, the research seeks to uncover distinct patterns and disparities that may exist in their health profiles. Additionally, the study will explore differences in physical activity levels between these groups, providing further insights into lifestyle impacts on health.

The findings of this research are intended to inform targeted interventions and health promotion strategies tailored to the specific needs of middle-aged women. By identifying areas for improvement and understanding the factors influencing body composition, policymakers, healthcare providers, and individuals themselves can collaborate to enhance overall health outcomes and quality of life for this demographic. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of women's health in middle age and supports efforts to mitigate age-related health risks and promote healthy aging.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to analyze the body composition and physical status of middle-aged women to provide insights into their health and identify areas for potential improvement through targeted strategies.

METHODOLOGY

Subjects

For this study, two hundred (100 employed women) and (100 housewives), middle-aged women (35 ± 50 years of age) willingly participated. All participants were briefed on the study's objectives and the procedures they would undergo, and they provided their informed consent by signing a consent form.

Criterion Measures

1.     Total body fat, fat free mass, muscle mass, bone mass, and body mass index measured by BIA (body Imperial analyser).

2.     Physical status measured by questionnaire (IPAQ).

Methods

All subjects declared their written informed consent and were familiar with the aims, methods and risks of participating in the study. We recruited 200 participants for the Body composition and physical status test, from Varanasi, which included 200 middle-aged (100) employed and (100) housewives. For measurement of body composition analyser (Omron) was used to analyse the human body composition based on the recommendation provided in the user manual (according to the principle of bioelectrical impedance, the unit of the different components in the body. The subjects were tested in the morning. When the test subjects barefoot standing on the pedal plate electrode, hands naturally hang down, hold the hand electrode gently, the subject is in a relaxed state, the test indexes include total body fat, fat free mass, muscle mass, bone mass, body mass index and physical activity. Descriptive body composition is presented as the means and standard deviation for middle-aged employed women and housewives. Student's t-test analysis was performed to investigate differences in mean values of body composition and physical status of middle-aged women. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25. A P-value<.05 was considered statistically significant.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Results

From Table 1, the mean and standard deviation of body composition were calculated in employed women and housewives, Total body fat (21.9±7.) for EW (employed women) and (26.9±9.3) for housewives. The Fat-free mass of EW and Housewives were (53.2±4.9 and 49.6±5.4), respectively. Muscle mass in EW and housewives were (50.6±4.4 and 46.9±4.8). The bone mass in EW and housewives was (2.6±.2) and (2.4±.28), BMI in EW and housewives was 26.5±3.9 and 29.4±5.5, Physical activity in EW and housewives was (1195.9±810.5 and817.3±827.1) respectively.

Table 1. Mean and Standard deviation of middle-aged employed women and housewives


Table 2. T-test of middle-aged Employed Women and Housewives


Table 2. presents the results of a t-test comparing middle-aged employed women and housewives across various physical and body composition variables. The mean difference in total body fat between the two groups was -4.91 with a standard error of 1.17, and this difference was statistically significant (p < .001). For fat-free mass, the M­_deff was 3.5 with a Std_Ed of .73, also showing statistical significance (p < .001). Similarly, the mean difference in muscle mass was 3.6 with a standard error of .66, which was significant (p < .001). Bone mass showed a mean difference of .23 with a standard error of .03, again significant (p < .001). The body mass index (BMI) had a mean difference of -2.8 with a standard error of .68, which was significant (p < .001). Lastly, the mean difference in physical status was -378.6 with a standard error of 115.8, and this difference was statistically significant (p = .001).

DISCUSSION

This study examines how middle-aged employed women and housewives in Varanasi City differ in terms of body composition and physical status. The findings highlight the impact of employment status on health and body composition by revealing significant disparities across a variety of parameters. Weight of the Body The total body fat of employed women was significantly lower than that of housewives, with a mean difference of -4.91 (p.001) This suggests that employment may be linked to increased amounts of physical activity or healthier choices made in one's lifestyle, thereby reducing fat accumulation. This distinction is pivotal, taking into account the higher gamble of cardiovascular illnesses and metabolic problems connected with an overabundance muscle to fat ratio, especially stomach fat, which is predominant among housewives (Janssen et al., 2002).

Muscle and fat-free mass The review shows that utilized ladies have essentially higher sans fat mass and bulk than housewives, with mean contrasts of 3.5 (p < .001) and 3.6 (p < .001), separately. Keeping up with higher sans fat mass and bulk is essential for generally wellbeing, as these parts are connected to better metabolic wellbeing, portability, and lower dangers of persistent circumstances like osteoporosis and sarcopenia (Cruz-Jentoft et al., 2010).

The way of life and day to day schedules of utilized ladies, potentially including more active work and organized work out, may add to these advantageous contrasts. Bone Mass Between the two groups, there is also a significant difference in bone mass, with employed women having more bone mass (mean difference of.23, p .001). Bone wellbeing is basic, particularly in middle age, to forestall osteoporosis and breaks. According to Kohrt et al. (2004), the higher levels of physical activity that are typically associated with employment may be the cause of this distinction. Weight List (BMI) With a mean difference of -2.8 (p.001), the BMI of employed women was significantly lower than that of housewives. Lower BMI in utilized ladies could demonstrate better weight the executives rehearse, which is fundamental for lessening the gamble of heftiness-related medical problems. According to Flegal et al. (2012), this difference may be explained by the structured environment and possible access to better dietary options.

Actual Status Last but not least, employed women had a significant mean difference in physical status that was -378.6 (p =.001) in Favor of them. This difference is measured by the overall level of physical activity. This significant difference emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Utilized ladies might take part in additional routine proactive tasks as a component of their work and day to day drive, adding to better actual wellbeing measurements (Warburton et al., 2006)

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that there are notable disparities in the physical status and body composition of middle-aged employed women and housewives. Because they manage their weight better and engage in more physical activity, employed women typically have healthier profiles. By addressing the particular difficulties housewives face, specific health promotion techniques can enhance their general well-being and standard of living, promoting healthier aging in this population. This study emphasises how crucial it is to take lifestyle and work status into account when creating middle-aged women's health interventions.