Weight Loss - New Moms (2)
Weight Loss After Pregnancy - Study
Weight Loss Study Measurements
In a recent study by NICHD, researchers recruited 40 overweight, breast-feeding
women for the study. The women took part in the study for 10 weeks, beginning
at the 4th week after they gave birth. Overweight was defined as having
a body mass index of 25 to 30. Body mass index is a mathematical formula
used to calculate body fat from a person's height and weight. A 5' 4"
woman having a body mass index of from 25 to 30 would weigh between 145
and 175 pounds. 51 percent of U.S. women have a body mass index of more
than 25
New Moms Weight Loss Study Methods
Of the 40 women, 21 were assigned to the diet and exercise group, and
19 were assigned to the control group. All the women had given birth to
full-term, full-size infants delivered without C-section. Women in the
diet and exercise group reduced their food intake by 500 calories, essentially
by avoiding fatty and sugary foods. These women also began some form of
aerobic exercise-such as brisk walking, jogging, or aerobic dancing-for
15 minutes a day. The exercise time was increased by two minutes a day,
until the women were exercising for 45 minutes a day. To help the women
stick to their diets, the researchers also provided them with 6 low-fat,
low-sugar frozen entrees per week during the course of the study. The
control group exercised no more than once a week, and did not change their
dietary habits. All the women received a daily multivitamin containing
at least 50 percent of the recommended daily allowances for breast-feeding
women.
See:
Weight Loss New Moms (1)
Weight Loss New Moms (3)
Source: www.nichd.nih.gov 2000
|
com