I always suspected that was true, I gained considerable weight after the birth of my kids and has been a challenge to get rid of. Now a new study from researchers finds that parents with kids gain considerably more weight than those without kids.
The researchers analyzed data from a national longitudinal survey, in which they tracked changes in body mass index (BMI) levels (a ratio of height to weight) among 3,617 adults over a 15-year period. The study finds that by the age of 55, parents reached an average BMI of 30 (considered obese zone) compared to those without children who reached an average BMI of 25 to 29 (considered overweight zone). The study finds that men and women who have their first kid at age 26 to 27 gain the least amount of weight over time, higher the variances from this age (younger or older) the more rapid is the weight gain.
In a household with children men tend to gain more weight than women. Women are likely to gain more weight when raising more than one child. The study attributes this to the biological changes due to pregnancy and the daily constraints and responsibilities of parenting. I agree with the biological reason as I experienced this personally after the birth of our second child. Though raising the two kids I find myself physically active as they keep me on my toes almost whole day.
These new research findings motivate me even more now to get in shape. My kids are pretty young and so finding time for myself can become quite challenging. Would love to hear what is working for other parents. Do you workout alone or with your kids? Any suggestions/comments most welcome.
The researchers analyzed data from a national longitudinal survey, in which they tracked changes in body mass index (BMI) levels (a ratio of height to weight) among 3,617 adults over a 15-year period. The study finds that by the age of 55, parents reached an average BMI of 30 (considered obese zone) compared to those without children who reached an average BMI of 25 to 29 (considered overweight zone). The study finds that men and women who have their first kid at age 26 to 27 gain the least amount of weight over time, higher the variances from this age (younger or older) the more rapid is the weight gain.
These new research findings motivate me even more now to get in shape. My kids are pretty young and so finding time for myself can become quite challenging. Would love to hear what is working for other parents. Do you workout alone or with your kids? Any suggestions/comments most welcome.
