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EXERCISE UPDATE NEWS pregnancy Obesity and
According to data from nearly 50,000 women, using assisted reproductive technology, obese women are a staggering 28% less likely to become pregnant and have a successful pregnancy. The findings, which also can be applied to women not using assisted technology, showed women who are simply overweight have a 14% less chance of a successful pregnancy.
As part of the research, the team looked at the effect increasing body mass index had on a woman’s ability to become pregnant using assisted reproductive technology and how obesity affects pregnancy outcomes. They compared outcomes to women with normal body mass index (BMI of 18.5-24.9). Women were classified as overweight (BMI of 25 to 29.9), Class 1 obesity (30- 34.9), Class 2 (35-39.9) and Class 3 (40 or greater).
Among the findings: l Women at Class 3 obesity were 35% less likely to become pregnant; Class 2 resulted in a 28% less chance; 9% for Class 1; and 3% for overweight women. l Of the obese women who were able to become pregnant, the odds of stillbirth were increased more than twofold. l Among live births, the odds of premature birth significantly paralleled increasing obesity: from 16% for overweight women to 34% for women at Class 3.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center have found that yoga may be more effective than standard treatment for reducing chronic low back pain in minority populations.
Published in November’s issue of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, the study recruited adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) from two community health centres that serve racially diverse, low-income neighbourhoods of Boston. They were randomly assigned to either a standardized 12-week series of hatha yoga classes or standard treatment including doctor’s visits and medications.
The paper’s author, Barbara Luke, a researcher in the MSU College of Human Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, said: “The results are not surprising; obesity is a state of inflammation and is not a good environment for conception or foetal development. The key message is to lose weight, prior to conception, and focus on pre-conception health issues.
“If you are thinking about starting a family, get into the best physical shape possible.” Luke said. “Control the factors you can - such as drinking alcohol and smoking - and remember, body weight is just as important.”
The significance of the findings was underlined when the author was also awarded one of only two Scientific Programme Prize Papers at the 2009 American Society of Reproductive Medicine international meeting in Atlanta, USA. The research was just one of nearly 900 abstracts. Source: Medical News Today http://bit.ly/ObesityPregnancy
Yoga for minorities with back pain
The yoga group participated in 12 weekly 75-minute classes that included postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. Classes were taught by a team of registered yoga teachers and were limited to eight participants. A daily 30 minutes session at home was also strongly encouraged and participants were provided with an audio CD of the class, a handbook describing and depicting the exercises, a yoga mat, strap and block.
Pain scores for the yoga participants decreased by one-third compared to the control group, which decreased
by only 5%. In addition, pain medication use in the control group did not change but yoga participants’ use of pain medicines decreased by 80%. Improvement in function
was also greater for yoga participants but was not statistically significant. Source: Medical News Today - http://bit.ly/ YogaMinorities
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