Extra pregnancy pounds = fatter teens?
Think you’re not doing any harm by gaining a few extra pounds during pregnancy? Think again. Recent research from Harvard Medical School has found that your excess pounds could follow your child into his or her teen years. Previous studies have shown that packing on more than the suggested weight can lead to a bigger baby. But it could have lasting effects on your children. In the study of nearly 12,000 kids and teenagers ages 9 to 14, those whose mothers gained more weight than the recommended 15 to 40 pounds had a 42 percent greater risk of being obese than children whose mothers gained the proper amount. Depending on your weight before pregnancy, experts recommend you gain anywhere from 15 pounds (women who are overweight) to 40 pounds (women who are underweight). If you’re pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about your recommended weight gain.

More high-calorie foods equal higher diabetes risk
Put down that chili dog! Unhand those greasy potato chips! Junk food may increase your risk of developing diabetes, say researchers in the United Kingdom. They analyzed the eating habits of nearly 22,000 people ages 40 to 79 who didn’t have diabetes, cancer or heart disease at the beginning of the study. Those who consumed the most calories every day (an average of 2,592) ate the most meat, processed meat and soda while forgoing healthier fare like fresh fruits and vegetables. Those who filled up on vegetables and fruits and fewer meats, processed meats and soft drinks ate, on average, 1,539 calories a day. After 12 years of observation, researchers found that the high-calorie eaters upped their diabetes risk by 60 percent when compared to the healthy eaters. Eating the junk food seemed to be an independent risk factor for diabetes, the researchers reported.

Key ingredient for a healthy heart? Vitamin D
Nearly half of American adults are lacking in the vitamin D department. Not only is the so-called “sunshine vitamin” a boon for our bones, it’s also good for our hearts, according to a Journal of the American College of Cardiology review of studies examining the link between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular risk. Not getting enough of the stuff is tied to high blood pressure, diabetes and stiffening of the heart chambers and blood vessels. In one major study, when vitamin D levels fell below 15 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of blood, people were twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke or other heart problem. Experts recommend we keep our levels at 30 ng/ml or above, and it’s easy enough to do by spending time in the sun or taking supplements. The human body makes vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight. Caucasians need only 10 minutes of unprotected exposure between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and those with darker skin need a bit more exposure. (If you spend any more time in the sun, be sure to slather on some sunscreen.) Experts recommend a daily intake of 200 IU up to age 50, 400 IU for ages 50 to 70 and 600 IU for those over 70, whether from supplements or foods such as salmon, milk and fortified cereal.

Depression leads to belly fat

Depression has been linked to diabetes and heart disease. But what’s the connection? Researchers in the Netherlands may be on to something. In a study of more than 2,000 adults ages 70 to 79, those who were clinically depressed seemed more likely to gain abdominal fat—not overall fat—over a five-year period. Belly fat has been found in other studies to be a strong independent risk factor for heart disease. Why? The researchers aren’t entirely sure, but say stress and depression may lead to higher levels of the hormone cortisol, which promotes the buildup of abdominal fat. People who are depressed may also engage in unhealthy behavior, such as smoking, eating junk food and avoiding exercise, all of which could lead to an increase in midsection fat. More research is needed to figure out how these factors could fit into the treatment and prevention of depression-related health problems, but it’s worth eating well and staying active, as both can help eliminate belly fat and boost your mood.