Midwives are looking for change after a women’s health report was published stating that 64% of women aged between 34-44 and 71% of women aged 45-54 are considered overweight or obese.
The ‘Health of the 51%: women’ report, published by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Dame Sally Davies, calls the Government to “treat obesity as a national health risk”.
The report primarily focuses on women’s issues, such as obesity during pregnancy.
Professor Dame Sally Davies says that there is “a key missed opportunity” to provide health messages for women planning a pregnancy to improve their mental and physical health, as well as their children’s.
Responding to the report, Chief Executive at the Royal College of Midwives Cathy Warwick said: “The RCM welcomes this report and considers that it highlights critical issues around women’s health. We are particularly pleased to see the CMO arguing about the critical importance of getting advice, support and care right in pregnancy if we are to avoid problems in later life for both women and their children. We will look forward to looking in detail at the recommendations that involve midwives and playing our part in taking these forward.”
Other aspects of the report highlight gender-based violence against women and female genital mutilation.
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