A biopsychosocial approach to the interrelation between motherhood and women¿s excessive weight

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Henriques, A (Author) Other; Azevedo A (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Porto Biomedical Journal

Vol. 1 No. 3

Pages: 59-64

ISSN: 2444-8664

Publisher: Wolters Kluwer

Indexing

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-R5R

DOI: 10.1016/j.pbj.2016.04.003

Abstract (EN): Portugal is characterized by a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among women, whose weight increases most rapidly in early adulthood. Individual genetic features and behaviours, along with social, cultural and environmental factors interact in complex relationships with body weight and with its variation throughout time. Motherhood may trigger an increase in weight, potentially influencing the associations between excessive weight and several other health determinants. Taking into account the quality of prenatal care within Portugal¿s health care system, regarding coverage and success in improved outcomes, we theoretically demonstrate why pregnancy and motherhood should be seen as opportunities for prevention and why a deeper knowledge about the interplay of biological, social and psychological determinants of weight at this stage of life can be useful to design more effective weight control interventions towards this population. ï¿¿ 2016 PBJ-Associaï¿¿ï¿¿o Porto Biomedical/Porto Biomedical Society.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific