Scientists Told What Events Lead To Decreased Activity And Weight Gain

Scientists told what events lead to decreased activity and weight gain

Physical activity declines after high school, and motherhood is associated with weight gain, researchers from the University of Cambridge's Center for Diet and Activity Research have found. Their systematic reviews and meta-analyzes of the scientific literature are published in Obesity Reviews.

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Physical activity declines after high school, and motherhood is associated with weight gain, researchers from the University of Cambridge's Center for Diet and Activity Research have found. Their systematic reviews and meta-analyzes of the scientific literature are published in Obesity Reviews.

Many people put on weight as they enter adulthood, it is during this time that obesity rates "jump" most rapidly. Weight gain is associated with changes in diet and physical activity during the transition from school to further education and employment, new relationships and childbirth.

In the first review, scientists analyzed data from 19 studies that covered participants between the ages of 15 and 35. They found that graduation from high school was associated with an average of 7 minutes less physical activity per day. This is especially true for men - by 16.4 minutes (versus 6.7 minutes for women). The most significant changes were at university entrance - 11.4 minutes per day.

“This is a really important time when people form healthy or unhealthy habits that will last throughout adulthood. If we can pinpoint the factors in our adult life that lead to unhealthy behavior, we can change them,”said one of the authors, Eleonor Winpenny.

In a second review, researchers compared weight, nutrition, and physical activity between childless and young parents. As shown by a meta-analysis of 6 studies, the difference in the change in body mass index (BMI) between childless women and young mothers was 17%. A childless woman of average height (164 cm) for 5-6 years gained about 7.5 kg in weight, while giving birth - 8.8 kg.

Information on physical activity and diet was scarce, but studies found greater reductions in physical activity among those who became parents, and no significant differences in diet were found.

“In women at a young age, BMI increases, especially among those who become mothers. However, new parents may be especially willing to change their behavior, as it can also positively affect children, and not only improve their own health,”said Kirsten Corder, co-author of the study.