New moms exercise less, eat more--study

According to the research, young mothers end up gaining more weight by consuming foods that contain saturated fats and sugar-sweetened drinks.

A group of researchers, led by Dr. Jerica Berge, assistant professor of family medicine and community health at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis initiated the study that aimed to find the link between weight issues in young women.

“While fathers were no heavier than their non-parenting peers, mothers had significantly higher BMIs, and both moms and dads exercised less frequently. But despite their greater intake of fat, sugar and calories, the young mothers also consumed as much fruit, dairy, whole grains and calcium as non-mothers,” the study authors noted.

Jerica Berge said, “These mothers might be assuming more child-care duties than the dads, leading to the weight disparity. The aftereffects of pregnancy might also be a factor.”

Study details
For the present study, the researchers analyzed the facts that were collected by a survey called Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults), which studied weight-related issues in 838 females and 682 men, in their twenties.

The longitudinal population-based study observed participants from 1998 to 2009 and some of those being followed became parents during the course of the study.

“Height and weight were self-reported, while a food-frequency questionnaire was used to assess the typical intake of such foods as fruit, dark green and orange vegetables, milk products and sugar-sweetened beverages over the prior year,” the researchers reported.

The study subjects were also assessed on the time that they spent in physical activities like jogging, biking, dancing or any other exercise.

Researchers believe that one reason behind lack of exercise could be added responsibilities in parenting a child, which may not leave any time for the mothers to concentrate on staying fit.

“The fact that young mothers also consumed a similar amount of healthy foods than non-mothers may suggest they are trying to be good role models for their children, although their use of higher-fat foods may stem from having less time to cook,” the lead researcher said.

Support for the study
Giving a thumbs up to the findings of the study, clinical nutrition manager at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, Jen Brennan said, “I do think the study makes some good points about the struggles of being a young parent and balancing work and family life, and finding the time to plan physical activity.”

The study has been detailed in the online edition of the journal 'Pediatrics.'