Young Mothers Weigh More than Their Peers

Motherhood can bring joy, challenges - and perhaps extra pounds.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that younger mothers were more likely to be overweight than women of the same age who did not have children. Younger dads had no weight differences from young men without children.

Younger moms were also more likely than their peers to eat more saturated fat, drink more sugary beverages, and consume more overall calories. But they also made healthy food choices - eating as much fruit, whole grains, and calcium as women who weren't parents.

Neither young mothers nor young fathers exercised as much as their childless peers.

Possible factors

"Maybe moms are taking on more responsibilities -- including cooking the food for the kids, with these high-fat choices," speculates study author Jerica Berge, Ph.D. "In parenting, there are conflicting demands and tradeoffs. It could [also] be they're too tired at the end of the day and might not want to go to the gym."

The researchers looked at data from Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and young adults), which followed participants over an 11-year period, from 1998 to 2009. Study participants listed their height and weight, and answered a questionnaire on food intake and exercise.

The fact that young mothers also consumed a similar amount of healthy food as women who weren't mothers could suggest that they are trying to be good role models for their children, Berge says. Their use of higher-fat foods may stem from having less time to cook.

Challenges of parenting

"I do think the study makes some good points about the struggles of being a young parent and balancing work and family life, and finding the time to plan physical activity," says Jen Brennan, R.D., at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "It's really easy to grab something unhealthy."

Both Berge and Brennan say that health care providers could encourage young mothers to make better lifestyle choices. Pediatricians see young children several times a year for well-baby checks.

"They already have time to talk about dietary intake and physical activity." Berge says. "There might be an opportunity to throw in, 'How does this work from a family perspective?'"

Always talk with your health care provider to find out more information.