Tracy Anderson on Pregnancy

by Brooke on September 11, 2012

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There have been numerous articles coming out over the past few weeks bashing Tracy Anderson’s comment about pregnancy.  The personal trainer to the stars stated in an interview that, “a lot of women use pregnancy as an excuse to let their bodies go, and that’s the worst thing.”  She continued,  “I’ve seen so many women who come to me right  after with  disaster bodies that have gone through hell, or  they come to me years  later and say, ‘Oh, my body is like this because I had three kids’”

I am not sure why she got so slammed for saying these statements.  I definitely agree that there is a better way of saying, “let their bodies go.”   However, we are living in a period of time when the obesity rate is high and more and more women are struggling with their weight before, during, and after pregnancy.   

Pregnancy weight gain is controversial, but being at a healthy weight prior to giving birth is beneficial for both women and their babies.  Research has shown that there is a reduction in risks during both pregnancy and delivery when women stay within a healthy pregnancy weight gain range.   The Institute of Medicine has established pregnancy weight gain guidelines that are based on a woman’s BMI before pregnancy.   The guidelines are shown below:

 

Prepregnancy BMI BMI Total Weight Gain (lbs)

   Rates of Weight Gain  2nd & 3rd Trimester (lbs/wk)

Underweight  < 18.5 28-40 1
Normal Weight 18.5-24.9 25-35 1
Overweight  25.0-29.9 15-25 0.6
Obese (includes all classes) ≥30.0 11-20 0.5

These weight ranges can be met when consuming healthy balanced meals.  It is important to consume the nutrients for two, NOT the calories for two.  This is a big misconception and could lead to a higher weight gain than recommended.  During the first trimester, a pregnant woman is not burning anymore calories than she normally would.  However, in the 2nd and 3rd trimester an extra 340 calories and 452 calories, respectively,  are required in addition to her daily estimated energy requirements.  These calories are meant to be used in a way that increases intake of key nutrients like: iron, calcium, and folate.  To learn more about these nutrients check out the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics article Eating Right During Pregnancy.

Staying within the healthy weight ranges, exercise, consuming balanced healthy meals, and breastfeeding can all help women get back to their pre-pregnancy weight quicker.

 

Want to read more?  Here are some additional articles about Tracy Anderson’s comments:

Celebrity Trainer Tracy Anderson Criticizes Mothers Who ‘Let Their Bodies Go’

Tracy Anderson Responds to Backlash Following Pregnancy Comments

‘I am so mortified’: Trainer Tracy Anderson apologises for slamming mothers who  ‘use pregnancy as excuse to let their bodies go’

Tracy Anderson’s Post-Baby Body: How Did She Do It?

 

Resources:

  1. Abrams B, Altman SL, Pickett KE. Pregnancy weight gain: still controversial.  Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 May;71(5 Suppl):1233S-41S.
  2. American Dietetic Association. Position of the American Dietetic Association: nutrition and lifestyle for a healthy pregnancy outcome.  J Am Diet Assoc. 2002 Oct;102(10):1479-90.
  3. Food and Nutrition Board and Board on Children, Youth, and Families.  Weight gain during pregnancy: reexaming the guidelines. 2009.

 

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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Kristen @ Swanky Dietitian September 13, 2012 at 1:03 am

I agree with you. I do often think people assume that because they are pregnant, they can eat whatever they want. It is such an important time to be conscious of your food choices. I want to be conscious of my weight during pregnancy, especially cause I know it’s not the easiest to lose after the fact.

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