Addressing the Increased Cardiometabolic Risk of Early Parenthood Through Physical Activity

Abstract

Physical activity plays an important role in the prevention of obesity and obesity-related comorbidities. However, participation in physical activity varies through life and during certain periods in the life course the opportunities to engage in physical activities may be greater than during others. A particularly vulnerable period during adulthood for participation in physical activity is parenthood. Evidence suggests that parents are less active than nonparents, and this decline is particularly salient for mothers. Mothers and fathers are therefore at increased risk for the development of a number of obesity-related diseases (diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension). To address this increased risk, it is imperative that greater attention be paid to establishing physical activity interventions that target the early years of parenthood.