Gaining Weight Between Your Pregnancies May Pose Risk
October 18, 2006 by James Brann, MD
Filed under Featured, Pregnancy
Gaining Weight May Put Your Baby At Risk
A new study reveals women who gain weight following their first pregnancy may experience more complications during subsequent pregnancies and deliveries.
The study, conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, suggests a relationship exists between pregnancy complications and inter-pregnancy weight gain.
Evidence is mounting supporting the notion that women should do everything they can to maintain a normal weight prior to pregnancies and to gain weight within the recommended weight ranges during their pregnancy. The study also suggests that women should follow a sensible diet and exercise program to lose pregnancy weight prior to conceiving another baby. Read more
BMI and Heart Disease Risk
October 8, 2006 by James Brann, MD
Filed under Featured, Women's Health
For years now many believed the body-mass index (BMI) was a fair predictor of cardiovascular risk in people. A new study however, reveals this often used tool is NOT a good predictor of cardiovascular risk. Why? The BMI does not do a good job distinguishing between fat and muscle. Failure to do so may lead to inaccurate perceptions of one’s health and fitness level.
How BMI Is Calculated
Health providers calculate BMI by dividing a person’s weight (in kilograms) by height squared. Typically those with a BMI less than 25 are considered healthy, and those with a BMI over 25 are considered at risk for adverse health outcomes, obesity and more.
