Moms Talk: 'You're Fat, So Try This'

A University of Minnesota Medical School study published earlier this month in American Academy of Pediatrics' journal Pediatrics concludes that physicians should "consider discussing dietary intake and physical activity with new parents to identify ways to engage in healthful behaviors given the daily demands of parenthood."

Of the 682 women and 838 men studied, mothers and fathers of young children engaged in less physical activity than non-parents and, therefore, were less healthy.

The study showed the average body mass index (BMI) of women with children was higher than that of non-mothers, noting that the mothers consumed more sugar-sweetened beverages and saturated fats. There was no difference in the BMI of the fathers and the men who do not have children.

The study's conclusion—that pediatricians should consider discussing diet and exercise with parents—led to many questions we thought you, the readers of Gloucester Township Patch, could discuss:

1. Do you feel it's appropriate for your child's doctor to tell you that you aren't in as good shape as you were before your kids were born?

2. How would you react to such unsolicited advice, no matter the doctor's field?

3. If you have successfully battled weight gain and other health issues since having your first child, do you have any tips you could share with others who are facing similar problems?

Editor's Note: Moms Talk is a new feature on GloucesterTownship.Patch.com that is part of a new initiative on our Patch sites to reach out to moms and families.

GloucesterTownship.Patch.com invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Gloucester Township.

Each week in Moms Talk, our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions, utilizing the comment box below.

Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians, 24-hour pharmacies and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children.

Moms Talk will also be the place to drop in for a talk about the latest parenting hot topic.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today—and every Wednesday!—at 1 p.m. Can't make it for the 1-2 p.m. chat? Then drop a line for our Moms Council and readers to consider.