Obesity in preconception and pregnancy /

The information herein reflects the views of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Ontario. [...] In Ontario adult overweight and obesity is estimated at 58.6%, slightly below the national average of 59.1%.2 Rates of obesity and related health consequences (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and some cancers) are at an all-time high and manifest at an earlier age.3 The adverse medical5,6 and psychosocial effects7 of obesity underscore the importance of early intervention [...] Rates have increased in all age categories, with the most rapid increases in women of childbearing age (15-49 years of age), more than doubling in the last 25 years.9-11 The health implications of obesity are considerable for both the mother and baby – during pregnancy and beyond – and must be recognized and acted upon by service providers. [...] Page 10 2.0 | Social Determinants of Health The World Health Organization defines the social determinants of health as the “conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, including the health system.”12 The social determinants of health13 are largely responsible for health inequalities that exist between groups of individuals within a population.12 Despite the wealth of research on [...] The Institute of Medicine recently modified their guidelines in regards to healthy weight gain during pregnancy due to the increasing prevalence of obesity among women of childbearing age, increases in gestational weight gain and the associated health implications of both of these factors.