Addressing the Obesity Cycle Through Preconception and Prenatal Health

Student Member Price: $10.00

Risks associated with obesity during pregnancy are well documented. Emerging evidence indicates that maternal obesity may set the stage for future obesity in offspring. This is concerning as nearly half of reproductive aged women are overweight or have obesity. Compounding women's vulnerability to obesity, excessive gestational weight gain and pregnancy weight retention postpartum are factors that increase risk for obesity and cardiometabolic dysfunction. While diet and exercise interventions during pregnancy have beneficial maternal health outcomes, these efforts may be too late to promote downstream benefits to the developing fetus. This presentation addresses the critical need to educate dietitians on lifestyle interventions for weight management before, during, and after pregnancy while highlighting practical applications for successful behavioral counseling by lead dietitian, Jacob Mey, PhD, RD, for the multi-site Lifestyle Intervention in Preparation for Pregnancy (LIPP) study.

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.0

Performance Indicators

• 12.2.2 Identifies and reviews evidence-based literature to create programs and to justify needs and actions.
• 8.1.1 Interprets and applies evidence-based literature and standards for determining nutritional needs of target audiences
• 9.4.5 Implements individualized teaching plans in order to promote, maintain and enhance nutritional health and learning.

Learning Objectives

• List health risks associated with excessive gestational weight gain and pregnancy weight retention.
• Describe current literature reporting maternal and off-spring outcomes following lifestyle interventions for weight management.
• Conduct targeted weight management interventions in women of reproductive age.

Speakers

• Jacob Mey
• Emily W. Flanagan