Obesity Increases Pregnancy Risks

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, being overweight or obese during pregnancy is linked with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, cesarean delivery and preeclampsia (high blood pressure) for the mother; as well as prematurity, stillbirth and excessive weight at birth for the fetus, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

The ACOG recommends that women who are already obese when they become pregnant speak with their OB-GYN to make sure they gain the appropriate amount of weight for their health and their baby during pregnancy.

The Institute of Medicine recommends normal-weight women (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9) gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy, and underweight women (BMI of less than 18.5) gain 28 to 40 pounds, but overweight woman (BMI between 25 and 29.9) gain 15 to 25 pounds, and obese women (BMI of 30 and over) gain 11 to 20 pounds.

Women who are overweight or obese during pregnancy should be offered nutrition counseling, and encouraged to follow an exercise program, the ACOG says.

According to Dr. Scheele, Factor4 Weight Control® is an important aid for women who want to normalize their body weights during their reproductive years to avoid the metabolic risks associated with pregnancy and child-bearing.

5 Health Habits That Reduce the Signs of Aging

 

 

 

Researchers in the UK call attention to 5 ways to reduce the signs of aging:

  • Following a nutritious diet,
  • Exercising regularly,
  • Maintaining a low body weight,
  • Avoiding smoking, and
  • Limiting alcohol consumption

Researchers at Cardiff University in the U.K. studied 2,235 men and found that those who adopted all five, or even four, of these healthy behaviors experienced a 60 percent reduction in dementia and overall cognitive decline (with exercise being the strongest mitigating factor). Seventy percent fewer cases of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke were found in those men, compared to people who didn’t practice any of the behaviors.

According to Dr. Scheele, the good news is that Factor4 Weight Control® promotes all five of these lifestyle changes and ensures success in maintaining metabolic and cognitive health as you age.

Idea of Healthy Obesity Is Tested

By NICHOLAS BAKALAR

The idea that there are obese people who are nonetheless healthy may be a myth.

Although some overweight or obese people have normal cholesterol, glucose levels and blood pressure — elements of so-called metabolic health — a new study suggests that obesity by itself increases the risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and death.

Researchers analyzed 12 studies that had together followed more than 61,000 adults, most for at least 10 years. About 9 percent of the subjects were obese and metabolically healthy — that is, they had normal LDL, HDL and total cholesterol, along with healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels. The report was published online last week in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Compared with metabolically healthy people of normal weight, the obese group had a 24 percent increased risk for fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke, and for death by any cause.

Increasing body mass went along with decreasingly healthy waist circumference, blood pressure and insulin resistance. It was not associated with increases in triglycerides, glucose or LDL cholesterol levels, which are also risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

“The message here is pretty clear,” said the lead author, Dr. Caroline K. Kramer, a researcher at the University of Toronto. “The results are very consistent. It’s not O.K. to be obese. There is no such thing as healthy obesity.”

Factor4 is here to help with natural weight control, give it a try by clicking on the order button on the navigation, you won’t be disappointed!

Stopping Strokes

The Department of Health and Human Services states that “800,000 strokes occur each year in the United States – and if the number seems high to you, consider how many of us have risk factors that could lead to strokes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says: High blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are key risk factors for stroke. About half of Americans have at least one of these three risk factors.”

Other risk factors include being overweight, being physically inactive, and drinking too much alcohol.

But people can reduce their risk by quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active. Further, cholesterol and blood pressure – as well as diabetes and heart disease — also raise stroke risk.

The good news is that Factor4 Weight Control® combats each of the risk factors described above as it normalizes body weight and promotes healthy lifestyles with increased satiety, improved diet, exercise, sleep, attitude, and less dependency on sugar, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. According to Dr. Scheele the numerous benefits derived from Factor4 Weight Control® can be expected to lower adverse cardiovascular events like heart attacks and stroke.