Posted on October 11, 2001 at 2:50 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) are conducting a study to determine if new moms who are overweight can lose more weight with the help of a personal weight-loss counselor and an individualized weight-loss plan.

“For women, pregnancy and the year following delivery are high-risk periods for weight gain,” says Delia West, Ph.D., associate professor of preventive medicine at UAB. “Difficulty losing weight after pregnancy may contribute to some women becoming obese, which in turn puts them at higher risk for other adverse health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.”

The NEW Moms (Nutrition, Exercise & Weight-loss for Moms) program is a sensible approach to losing weight that encourages healthy eating habits and increased physical activity. “Participants work closely with a personal counselor who understands the challenges of becoming a new mom. Together, they develop healthy weight-loss and weight management skills,” West says.

The program is being offered at no cost to new moms. Participation is limited to 24 women. For more information, or to volunteer to participate in the NEW Moms program, call Cathy Roche at (205) 975-7776.