Still dealing with the baby weight two, five… or even twenty years after giving birth? You’re definitely not alone. A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that if you gain more than the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy, the chances are higher that you’ll still be carrying some of those extra pounds years later. Shocking, right?
Researchers at the American Society for Nutrition followed a group of 302 women from New York City over a span of seven years. They found that regardless of whether the women were of average weight or overweight before pregnancy, those who exceeded the recommended weight gain were more likely to hold onto some of that weight. This can lead to the dreaded increase in Body Mass Index (BMI), a metric that doesn’t always accurately represent a person’s fitness level but is still widely used to gauge health.
You have to wonder how much time and money went into confirming what many mothers could have told you for free: if a woman indulges in calorie-rich snacks several times a day while pregnant, she’s probably going to retain some extra weight down the line. And let’s face it, who can resist those dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets or the constant allure of macaroni and cheese?
Despite what tabloids may suggest, it’s entirely normal for women to take months, years, or even indefinitely to shed the baby weight. After giving birth, the focus shifts to figuring out how to manage that weight, no matter how much was gained during pregnancy. It’s hardly surprising that women who gain a few extra pounds don’t magically find the time or energy to shed them—even after seven years! The last time I had a little one, I barely had time to ask, “How long has that spit-up been in my hair?” let alone worry about the lingering effects of enjoying dessert a little too much.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that bombarding pregnant women with negative messages about weight gain during such a challenging time can be disheartening. If we could promote healthy nutrition and fitness instead of spreading fear, we might see happier, healthier moms.
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In summary, the link between excessive pregnancy weight gain and long-term weight retention isn’t particularly surprising to those who have been through it. As we navigate the journey of motherhood, let’s focus on fostering a supportive and healthy environment rather than perpetuating stress about weight gain.
Keyphrase: Excessive pregnancy weight gain
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