Originally published September 29 2005
Experts fear everyday pressures may contribute to weight, fertility problems in New Zealand women
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Experts say that the number of New Zealand women in their 20s and 30s who juggle work, family and other commitments are are getting increasingly overweight, has risen since 1977, and stuff.co.nz reports that the trend may have an adverse affect on already dropping fertility rates in the country.
The phenomenon of women in their 20s and 30s gaining weight as they gain responsibilities could be damaging their health and fertility.
A typical adult woman of average height weighed 65 kilograms in 1977, and 72.2 kilograms in 2003.
Obesity kills more than 1000 New Zealanders a year, double the annual road toll, and costs about $300 million.
Being overweight is linked to health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers.
Weight loss programme Jenny Craig reports that 25 to 34-year-olds form its fastest-growing client group in New Zealand, closely followed by 18 to 24-year-olds.
Greater female participation in the workforce, longer hours spent behind desks and the difficulties of juggling work and family commitments have been highlighted as factors behind the trend.
Sport and Recreation New Zealand spokeswoman Deb Hurdle said women in their 20s and 30s were finding it difficult to squeeze physical activity into their busy days, making them more likely to become overweight.
"Women do less physical exercise than men anyway, so that's already a black mark against them.
Christina Lee, a Queensland University professor of health psychology, said about 2000 New Zealanders living in Australia were taking part in the Australian study of women's health, which she is coordinating.
Though New Zealand had a different ethnic mix from Australia's, the lifestyle pressures causing women to put on weight were the same.
They're juggling multiple roles, managing children, work and study, and caring for their families."
Dr Lee said publicity about children getting fatter had overshadowed the problem in young women.
Wellington Hospital endocrinologist Robyn Toomath, who is spokeswoman for lobby group Fight the Obesity Epidemic, said obesity increased the risk of women developing polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition that can affect fertility.
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