Gestational Weight Gain of Pregnant African American Adolescents Affects Body Mass Index 18Â Years Later

Gestational weight gain had long‐term effects on BMI in a minority adolescent population. Excessive pregnancy weight gain is likely to contribute to long‐term weight retention, especially if adolescents are overweight or obese when they become pregnant with their first children. Intervention during pregnancy to limit GWG has the potential of limiting long‐term negative health consequences that result from overweight and obesity in minority women.