一生中最易发胖的时期
Puberty Why? Girls naturally gain weight at this stage because fat cells increase in size and number, says Dr Marilyn Glenville, nutritional expert and bestselling author of Fat Around the Middle. Puberty creates changes in body shape and periods don't start until there is enough body fat in place. Teenagers also need more calories than adults to supply the energy they require for growth and shouldn't be alarmed about putting on weight. Combat it: Don't worry. Social pressure and media images don't help but weight gain at this time is perfectly natural. Faddy and very low-calorie diets send the body into counter-productive starvation mode, reducing its metabolic rate and increasing its fat store, explains Dr Glenville. Dr Sally Norton, an NHS weight-loss consultant surgeon and founder of vavistalife.com, says we must lead by example. If you obsess about your weight, embark on fad diets and describe foods as good and bad, your children will copy you. Leaving home/ starting university Why? A culture of stress, drinking and unhealthy eating means eight in 10 students gain weight during their time at university, according to a recent survey. "The combination of being able to eat what you want, when you want, managing a budget and newfound freedom, means many young people eat a poor diet, drink too much alcohol and don't get enough sleep," explains Dr Norton. Combat it: Teach your teenagers basic cooking skills before they leave home, she advises. Worryingly, a Sainsbury's survey showed that more than a third of students can't even boil an egg! "Show how it's possible to eat healthily on a budget. And encourage them to sign up to societies that involve team sports and activities during Freshers' Week." Pregnancy Why? The average mother-to-be puts on a perfectly normal 10kg during pregnancy "although all women are different and some gain more," adds Dr Norton. As well as the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid, that weight includes an extra two litres of blood and fat reserves for energy and breastfeeding. |