Mom Weight Gain Decoded: Instead of Motherhood, Lifestyle, Age Should Be Blamed?

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Most women's worry when dealing with motherhood is the gain the weight after pregnancy. However, a new study claims that obesity after delivery is caused by lifestyle and age.

A new study released by the University of Michigan School of Nursing analyzed the long-term weight gain of women who have given birth compared to women without kids. The researchers, led by associate professor Olga Yakusheva gathered the data of almost 30,000 women who had become pregnant for about one to four times. As a result, they found that most women never gained back the weight they have before pregnancy, Meanwhile, those who have given birth after 1-2 years will almost have the same weight in case they didn't have any children.

According to Manila Bulletin, this study contradicts the common belief that pregnancy leads to a long-term gain of weight, rather, it is because of the mother's age and lifestyle. For instance, a busy mom forgets about exercising or takes finishing her baby's food as an excuse. Such practices will eventually lead to weight gain.

The recent study also suggests that women, with or without kids, will gain about 1.94 pounds due to aging, while mothers will gain a full pound compared to childless women. "Many women really crank up their diet and exercise for a short time to get back to their pre-pregnancy weight, and often get discouraged by the results. But it's much better to take a holistic approach focused on long-term healthy lifestyle before, during and after pregnancy," Yakusheva explained.

Meanwhile, according to Daily Mail Online, Yakusheva says that experts should explain to women about the changes related to age and that parenthood can make it worse. This is because there will be lesser time to go to the gym and lesser time to prepare healthier meals. Therefore, instead of blaming it to motherhood, a mom should focus on going back to a healthier lifestyle. To know more about how to lose weight safely, click here.