Overweight and obesity are second only to tobacco use as contributors to preventable morbidity and mortality among US adults. Biologic and social factors contribute to a difference in the genesis, prevalence, and consequences of overweight and obesity among women as compared to men. Cultural, racial, and socioeconomic factors contribute to differences in weight patterns among women. Patterns of dissatisfaction with weight, dieting, weight cycling and body image distortions are found in girls as young as age 6 and continue into adolescence and adulthood. A lifecycle/transitions model allows one to synthesize biologic with social phenomena in order to grasp the complexity of overweight and obesity among women, and to provide a basis for proposing effective strategies to intervene in this growing epidemic. In this paper we will discuss pregnancy and childrearing as critical transition points for eating patterns, body image, weight changes and physical activity for many women. We will summarize current knowledge of trends in weight, nutritional practices and physical activity during the perinatal and postpartum periods, and their underlying biologic and psychosocial basis. The perinatal period is an ideal time for counseling and behavioral interventions because of the high degree of motivation among pregnant women and their frequent contacts with the health care system. The postpartum period is an underutilized opportunity for behavior change interventions. We will discuss the current state of behavioral interventions for nutrition, physical activity and weight management during these periods and conclude with suggestions for further research and interventions.
Learning Objectives: We will discuss the current state of behavioral interventions for nutrition, physical activity, and weight management during these periods and conclude with suggestions for further research and interventions.
Keywords: Pregnancy, Obesity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.