Dr. Michael Gabriel of Gabriel Pediatric, talks about childhood obesity in response to a report on Yahoo News stating that too little or too much weight gain during a woman's pregnancy may lead to childhood obesity and health problems later in life
Brooklyn, NY / myprgenie.com / ACCESSWIRE / April 22, 2014 / Dr. Michael Gabriel of Gabriel Pediatrics, a Brooklyn-based Pediatric Center, agrees that childhood obesity may be linked to a woman's weight gain during her pregnancy, according to researchers at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California.
According to the Yahoo News article, researchers studied the health records of women and their children ages 2 to 5 to determine whether or not pregnancy weight gain had any effect on the child's weight. The study focused on women with a normal body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy who gained less than the recommended amount of weight, and women with a normal BMI before pregnancy who gained more weight than the recommended amount. The results of the study concluded that too little or too much weight gain can affect children's weight.
Of the 4,145 women that were studied, those with a normal BMI who gained less weight than recommended had a 63% more chance of an obese child compared with those who gained the recommended amount. In addition, women with a normal BMI who gained more weight than recommended had an 80% greater chance of an obese child according to the article. Researchers found that the reason for this link between mother and child may be related to energy balance and metabolism.
Dr. Gabriel responds to this article by stating "It seems to make sense that women with increased weight gain can be correlated to childhood obesity but women with too little weight gain have to worry now as well." Gabriel explains that "It is important for women to monitor their diets and weight gain throughout a pregnancy and follow up for regular doctor's office visits."
Dr. Gabriel feels that although childhood obesity can be genetic, there are steps that mothers can take pre-and post-pregnancy. He encourages women to consult their physicians about their BMI and how much weight is appropriate to gain during pregnancy.
Gabriel Pediatrics provides comprehensive pediatric care to children throughout the New York area with practices both in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Our board certified pediatricians and experienced staff help provide a very warm and nurturing environment for both you and your children. Our approach combines the latest treatment methods with the personal attention you should expect from your doctor. Simply put, we understand the importance of communication and trust and we are earning that trust one family at a time.
Contact: Scott Darrohn, [email protected], 855-347-4228
SOURCE: Gabriel Pediatrics