Risk Of Obesity Climbs For Pregnant Women
POSTED: 10:50 am CDT August 9, 2006
UPDATED: 12:56 pm CDT August 9, 2006
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Losing weight after pregnancy can be tough, but not losing the weight can be dangerous, according to a new study.
Amy Vicker has her hands full with four children under the age 10 and twins on the way.
KMBC's Kelly Eckerman reported that a new study shows that a woman's risk of obesity climbs 7 percent with each child.
"The more you have, the less time you have to deal with yourself and lose that weight and everything like that," Vicker said.
Weight control counseling for mothers during and after pregnancy is now routine in many practices, Eckerman reported.
While many factors can contribute to post pregnancy weight gain, decreasing exercise and increasing fast food seem to plague growing families.
Eckerman reported that even a father's risk of obesity increases 4 percent with each child.
"Genetics comes into play, but it comes down to calories taken in and calories burned off," Dr. Carey Rawson said.
Metabolism slows with age, making it harder to lose weight. Waiting longer to have children adds to the challenge.
"My husband and I started walking. We do bicycles and we walk with the younger ones in the stroller. But we basically are watching portions and eating healthier," Vicker said.
"There are families out there with lots of kids and all in shape, but they're involved in sports and make an effort to eat healthy and work on it," Rawson said.
Article
Linear Mode
