Hi Everyone,

There was an article in several newspapers a while back about the problems associated with gaining weight between pregnancies. This is not the first time this has been brought to our attention, and only a year before an article based on similar research was also published. Around 15 years ago another study produced the same results, so I guess that unlike a lot of studies, this one shouldn’t be sneezed at.

It seems that even a small increase in body mass index can double the risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia, with larger increases resulting in even more problems.

So what do we do?

Well try and maintain a healthy and consistent weight would be the best thing.

How do we do that?

Not by dieting that’s for sure! I understand the pressure sometimes with our celebrity culture, to try the latest fad diets. The Atkins diet, The California diet, etc etc are all an unhealthy and unnecessary way to go about losing weight. All these restricted calorie or no carb diets result in a loss of lean body weight (muscle). It’s not muscle you want to be losing it’s fat. Muscle is what gives your body it’s shape. Losing muscle weight will slow your metabolism meaning that when you stop dieting you need even less calories to maintain your bodyweight than you did before the diet. Add to this the fact that when you starve yourself your body becomes super efficient at storing fat, and you can see why so many peoples weight goes up and down like a yo-yo.

A sensible diet with good nutritious whole foods is the best way to go. It’s not a diet but a healthy eating plan, and one you can stick with for life. Don’t go for instant gratification but aim for a slow weight loss over a long period. One pound a week is 52lbs a year, and that’s nearly 4 stone!! Add exercise to the equation and you’re laughing. You’ll end up looking great and feeling even better with loads of energy, and who wouldn’t want that?

To read the article in full click here.

Healthy Regards

Mark