New national guidelines focus on preventing unhealthy weight gain in middle-aged women

The focus of new national guidelines aimed at preventing unhealthy weight gain that can lead to serious illness is women between the ages of 40 and 60. Research review articles and clinical guidelines are Annals of internal medicine.

More than two-thirds of middle-aged women are overweight or obese. Given that women are at increased risk of gaining weight in middle age, interventions aimed at preventing obesity and the many serious health consequences associated with it are highly needed. “

Kimberly D. Gregory, MD, MPH, Clinical Guidelines and Vice Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai, Corresponding Author of Women’s Healthcare Quality and Performance Improvement

Gregory is part of the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative (WPSI), which has made recommendations based on a review of clinical trials involving approximately 52,000 middle-aged women. The initiative was initiated by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 2016 and is operated in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Health Resource Services Administration.

“To date, most research and recommendations have focused on investigating the benefits and harms of weight loss tools used by women who are already overweight. We strongly encourage healthcare providers to start addressing weight issues, as normal weight patients are at risk of weight gain and obesity,” said Gregory.

Obesity has been declared epidemic in the United States, with 42% of adults having a body mass index (BMI) above 30, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A BMI between 18.5 and 25 is considered healthy, and between 25 and 30 is considered overweight.

According to the study, women gain an average of 1.5 pounds per year in middle age and are at increased risk of transitioning to an overweight or obese BMI. The new guidelines emphasize the need to help women manage their weight by counseling them when they are at a healthy weight, rather than waiting until they are overweight or obese.

“Women are at increased risk of becoming severely obese due to menopause and age-related physiological changes,” said Amanda Velazquez, MD, chief of the Department of Obesity Medicine at Cedars-Sinai’s Surgery. “Significant weight gain is associated with serious risks of developing cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and numerous cancers. , it is important to advise on the need to limit weight gain,” said Velázquez, who did not participate in the study.

A WPSI review suggests that behavioral counseling approaches to prevent future weight gain in middle-aged women may result in moderate weight loss. Velasquez, Obesity and Weight Loss Expert It’s important to remember that weight management is a lifelong journey and an investment in your health, and there’s a lot of help available, he said.

“Don’t give up. It’s never too late to start making changes. There are quite a few weight management tools available, including personalized lifestyle plans, support groups that provide accountability and community, nutritional counseling, and new weight loss medications.” Yes, people who are severely obese, or have a BMI over 40, may consider bariatric surgery.