Categories

• Weight Management

All Articles

• Survey Offers the Key to Losing Weight  and Keeping it Off
• Is Pregnancy a Cause of Obesity?
• Still Not Eating Your Fruits and Vegetables?
• Teen Obesity: What Does Sleep Have to Do With It?
• Enough Is Enough: Understanding Portion Size
• Is Locally Grown Food Healthier?
• Staying Fit at 40 and Beyond
• Plus Size Yoga Offers Range of Benefits for Overweight, Obese Individuals
• Obesity Rates Risks Soaring in Minority Populations
• FDA Warns Against Use of 72 Tainted Weight-Loss Supplements
• Finding a Therapist
• Trying to Lose Weight? Why Residential Weight Loss Programs Really Work

Is Pregnancy a Cause of Obesity?

By Staff Writer

Pregnancy is one of the greatest miracles known to womankind – but in addition to producing a beautiful baby, it sometimes comes with unwanted weight gain. Studies show that many women retain some of the weight they gained during pregnancy, and that this is contributing to the rising obesity rates in the U.S.

The most important thing during pregnancy is to eat a healthy, balanced diet. And while you never want to skimp on nutrients for your growing baby, doctors advise women not to gain too much or too little weight (25 to 35 pounds for women with a normal body mass index, and 15 to 25 pounds for overweight women).

Gaining more than the recommended amount of weight can increase the risk of pregnancy complications and makes it more difficult to lose the extra pounds after the baby is born. If you find yourself struggling to lose the baby weight, experts recommend the following:

• Cut back on fats, oils and junk food
• Load up on high-fiber fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Drink plenty of water and skip the high-calorie beverages and alcohol
• Gradually reduce the number of calories you consume each day, making sure you don’t sacrifice nutrients your body needs to heal and keep up with your baby.
• Start exercising by taking walks and gradually build up to more intense physical activity.