Obesity in the Maternity Ward

Over the past couple of decades, we have seen the obesity epidemic spread through every demographic group, but now according to this article in the NY Times, 1 out of every 5 women who give birth in the U.S. is obese, ranging from 400 to sometimes 600 pounds. Pregnancy is made riskier with this excess weight, and obese women are more likely to develop diabetes, hypertension, and to deliver prematurely. Dr. Mark Chames, an obstetrician at the University of Michigan Health System at Ann Arbor, has directed a new center for Bariatric Obstetric Care to address this problem.

New treatment and procedures are needed in care for obese women. For example, an ultrasound signal can not penetrate through the tissue so instead Dr. Chames uses a vaginal probe. Weight loss is even encouraged in this center, as evidence suggests that women who maintain or lose weight during pregnancy experience fewer complications and deliver healthier babies. Still, much more research is needed to make this approach more popular in other hospitals.

Cholesterol Screening at an Earlier Age

This recent article in the NY Times points out that pediatricians are beginning to recommend aggressive cholesterol screening for children as early as eight years old. Many experts claim that signs of heart disease show up early in kids, especially when 30 percent of the nation’s children are obese and overweight.

Previously, cholesterol lowering drugs were recommended for children above the age of 10, and only if they fail to lose weight during a 6-12 month period. But now according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, cholesterol drugs might be our youth’s best hope in preventing heart disease. Screenings are highly recommended for those who have a family history of high cholesterol levels. Even though children will now undergo drug treatment at an earlier age, the first goal will still be to lower bad cholesterol through diet and a rigorous exercise program.

Has Child Obesity in the U.S. Reached its Peak?

According to today’s article in BBC News, the results from data compiled from 1999 to 2006 shows that obesity rates remain stable in the U.S. at 16%. Obesity rates have been growing exponentially in the United States in the past three decades.

Health experts claim that public health campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the obesity problem and healthier school meals has directly attributed to the stable rates we now see.

Cynthia Ogden, epidemiologist for the National Center for Health Statistics, mentions:

"It doesn't mean we've solved it, but maybe there is some opportunity for some optimism here."

Studies will continue to monitor this trend as the influence to live a healthier lifestyle goes on.