Rise in obesity relates to rise in high-risk pregnancies
A review by an international team of doctors, based at the Center for Reproductive Health at MetroHealth has been undertaken to further our understanding of the worldwide impact of obesity on pregnancy. The team focused on the clinical management of obesity in pregnancy and how to reduce risks to mother and child. There are no standard guidelines on this management, however all pregnant women are recommended to follow a healthy diet and to consider at least half an hour of moderate physical activity per day. However, the team identified obese pregnant women as representing a relatively new high risk population that will call for the development of additional tools to reduce these risks.
The team suggest that clinicians working with overweight and obese women of childbearing age must offer pre-conception weight management to improve overall metabolic health and decrease the risks of early pregnancy loss. Furthermore, women should be instructed on how to maintain a healthy weight once pregnant. The study also suggested that clinicians should regularly screen for foetal abnormalities as well as for maternal complications such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. The team also believe that the post-partum period is one of the most important when it comes to weight management, as it may decrease the risks in the next pregnancy. However, overall the team are looking to delve deeper into the complications of maternal obesity in pregnancy, so they can develop more effective management plans.
If you would be interested in learning more about the affect of obesity on reproductive health, follow this link.
Read MoreSleep deprivation increases weight in children
Sleep deprived pre-schoolers consume about 20% more calories than when they follow their regular sleep patterns. This is the conclusion from a study carried out at the University of Colorado and published in the Journal of Sleep Research. The children were all regular afternoon nappers, but kept awake for 3 more hours more than usual on the test days. It was found that they consumed 25% more sugar and 26% more carbohydrates than when they were given the full amount of sleep. On these ‘recovery days’ they returned to baseline sugar and carbohydrate consumption, however, they still consumed 14% more calories and 23% more fat.
The results help shed light on how sleep loss can affect weight gain. Furthermore, in the USA, it is estimated that about 30% of pre-schoolers do not get enough sleep. With rising levels of childhood obesity, this study helps to show how a variety of factors can contribute to the problem. Interestingly, in the study, parents were given no instructions regarding the kind or amount of food and drink to give to their children, and fed them the same as they would on any normal day. Although the study size was small, with five girls and five boys, the researchers are hoping to repeat their results in a larger sample and to continue their research using different diets and objectively measure activity in children.
Read MorePreventing childhood obesity must start before conception
A series of papers published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology has stated that the time before couples conceive is vital in the prevention of obesity in children. The researchers argue that more must be done to motivate future parents to lead a healthier lifestyle. There is a wide range of evidence showing that obesity can impact the developing baby. This study found that many people are becoming more obese and not planning ahead with pregnancies. One part of the paper aimed to determine the trends in global obesity amongst women and the consequences on their reproductive health. Another part of the study found that managing obesity during pregnancy, whilst being difficult was also a major concern, therefore showing that reducing the rate of obesity before pregnancy should be a priority.
The final parts of the series examined the effects that maternal obesity has on the child and possible overall interventions. These problems ranged from developmental to physical to genetic. The researchers called for a top-down approach from policy makers to improve opportunities for young people, especially those at risk, to lead healthier lives. However this must be accompanied by a bottom-up approach whereby communities and individuals create a demand for these services. Overall, the study aims to help future parents lead a healthy life, not only for themselves, but for their potential children too in order to stop the vicious cycle of obesity from generation to generation.
If you would be interested in learning more about childhood obesity, follow this link.
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