The Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Blog: Obesity and Autism
Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 10:44am - 1 Comment »
Several days ago, a study was released ( performed in California) that documented an association between obesity during pregnancy and autism in the children born to these mothers. About 1000 children between the ages were studied to see if autism was more common in women with hypertension, diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. The association of autism with obesity was the strongest. Add this to the myriad of obesity related medical conditions: heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer, GERD, arthritis , sleep apnea, back pain, early dementia, depression. Being obese kills and maims. If you have a weight control issue, before eating the food sources that got you there, always ask yourself the question: Is it really worth it?
I know many skinny, thin mothers with autistic children. In fact, I have wondered in the past how do these women handle the stress of an autistic chlld and stay so good looking? Maybe they were all obese and lost the weight after the birth of the child, but I doubt it.
The news report on this study, that I heard, indicated that the study did not include many other factors. This information was provided at the end of the report I heard and was given in a low, “by the way” voice. And my immediate reaction was that it gave women yet another reason to feel guilty.
While I agree with your overall comments, I am very concerned about the role of guilt in our eating struggle and spiral. The guilt of never measuring up can lead to a “what’s the use of dieting” attitude. Postive thoughts are bigger motivators. I don’t think women need another reason to feel guilty.