The Big Girls' Group
The Royal Women's Hospital has established a four-month weight loss and lifestyle program for overweight women called the Big Girls' Group.
The Big Girls’ Group aims to improve pregnancy rates and long term general health in women who are significantly overweight. The group operates in conjunction with the Royal Women’s Hospital, Endocrine and Metabolic clinic.
The group involves setting realistic goals in the form of weight loss during a 4 month program with information for long term lifestyle changes, which contribute to sustained weight reduction. The program involves 2 evening sessions per week incorporating dietary advice, low impact exercise classes, medical information, group support, information on exercise, stress management and coping strategies.
Excess weight has a wide ranging effect upon fertility and long term health. Some of the effects of excess weight include:
Fertility related problems:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Reduced ovulation rates
- Reduced pregnancy rates
- Fertility drugs and IVF are less effective
Pregnancy related problems:
- increased miscarriage rates
- increased blood pressure problems during pregnancy and diabetes of pregnancy
- increased delivery complications
- increased complications to the baby in the newborn period.
Long term health:
- increased risk of high cholesterol
- increased risk of high blood pressure
- increased risk of heart disease and stroke
- increased risk of diabetes mellitus
- increased joint problems
- increased risk of sleep apnoea
Previous studies have shown that similar groups have had a significant impact upon fertility. Losing even a small amount of weight (around five to seven kilograms) has been shown to result in improvements in ovulation rates and pregnancy. Ninety-two percent of women who participated in a similar program to ours ovulated without medications at the end of six months.
The Big Girls’ Group has had similar success to date with 3 pregnancies in the last group of participants. Of the first 250 people recruited to the Big Girl’s Group over 55% of those who wished to conceive achieved this aim either during the program or soon afterwards. The average weight loss was 6 - 7kg and there were significant improvements in waist - hip ratio, hormonal levels and psychological wellbeing.
Many participants in the group form lasting friendships and groups continue to meet after their 4 months to support each other. This has been a very valuable aspect of the group’s role in helping people achieve their aims. For some participants they felt that they were finally with people who understood their problems.
Prior to the program, tests are carried out on participants to assess their current medical and fertility state and these are re-checked at the end of the program. Patients are then reviewed medically and a further treatment plan is made if necessary.
The program is constantly undergoing evaluation and review to incorporate new research findings and we are evaluating the results of our groups frequently.
The Big Girls Group is achieving its aims of helping women to achieve pregnancy and reduce the risks of later serious health problems. We operate at:
- Reproductive Services, Level 2, Royal Women's Hospital, cnr Grattan St, and Flemington Road, Parkville.
- Dandenong IVF Clinic, Suite 4, David Street, Dandenong.
Women who want to participate in the program should contact the Endocrine and Metabolic clinic at the Royal Women's Hospital on (03) 8345 3200. They will need to bring a referral from their doctor.
Yoga - BREATHE : STRETCH : RELAX
The stress of infertility can leave many women feeling confused, isolated, saddened and angry. These emotions are normal when you are struggling to have a baby but at times they can leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control.
The practice of Yoga can be a wonderful help to women undergoing the challenges of IVF and an excellent way to participate in a gentle form of exercise during assisted reproductive treatment cycles .The practice of mindful stretching and the rediscovery of the breath and deep relaxation can have profound effects on your reducing the signs of stress, improving your awareness and reducing negative thinking. For many women it simply provides a calming sanctuary away from the pressures of treatment.
Tamara Blacher is one of our Melbourne IVF counsellors and an experienced Yoga teacher. She has been running 8 week yoga programs at Melbourne IVF since 2006. These are held throughout the year and you are warmly invited to attend the next series. It is not necessary to have any prior experience in Yoga to benefit from the classes.
For any further information or to book in for the next series please contact our receptionist or Tamara on 9473 4444.