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Ladies: How Much Weight Did You Gain Between Ages 20-30?
Every 2 lbs Gained Increases Your Risk of Heart Disease by 3%
Many of us are all too familiar with the legendary weight gain known as the ‘Freshman 15’. Although it was recently published that the average freshman only gains 3 1/2 pounds, we can’t let shortsightedness allow us to conclude this gain isn’t a risk factor. This modest gain still deserves attention because of the start to longer-term weight gain it could lead to during young adulthood – the ages of 20-30.
The average weight gain for women between the ages of 20-30 years old is 14-26 pounds.
This weight gain puts young women at these staggering increased risks for the following chronic/lifestyle diseases:
- 2x the risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes if the weight gain is between 11-18 pounds
- 3x the risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes if the weight gain is between 18-24 pounds
- 3% increase in the risk for heart disease for every 2 lbs (1 kg) gained after the age of 18
- Increased risk for depression, polycystic ovarian syndrome, infertility, and adverse pregnancy outcomes when weight gain progresses to obesity (BMI >30)
These are serious numbers. Life changing numbers. Please place more importance on these numbers than the one on your swimsuit label.
What you do today matters. What you do today is the biggest predictor of your quality of life tomorrow. Warmly, Teri Rose, CARE Nutritionist References
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- Colditz GA, Willett WC, Rotnitzky A, Manson JE. Weight gain as a risk factor for clinical diabetes mellitus in women. Ann Intern Med. 1995; 122(7):481-486.
- Willett WC, Manson JE, Stampfer MJ, et al. Weight, weight change, and coronary heart disease in women. Risk within the ‘normal’ weight range. JAMA. 1995;273(6):461-465.
- Kulie T, Slattengren A, Redmer J, Counts H, Eglash A, Schrager S. Obesity and women’s health: An evidence-based review. J Am Board Fam Med. 2011;24(1):75-85.
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