Obese Teen Rapidly Drops 140lbs After Doctor's Stark Pregnancy Warning

It is no secret that obesity is a growing problem—two out of three American adults are overweight and research has found that about 500 million people worldwide are obese.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that all U.S. states and territories had more than 20 percent of adults with obesity, putting them at risk of diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy complications.

Newsweek spoke to a Michigan teenager who dropped 140 pounds naturally after a doctor warned her she wouldn't be able to carry children safely.

A study found maternal obesity is one of the most common risk factors seen in obstetric practice. The risk of miscarriage and pregnancy loss before the first liveborn child is 25-37 percent higher in obese women.

New-born babies of obese mothers are at increased risk of stillbirth, congenital anomalies, prematurity, and macrosomia, which is when the baby is much larger than average. Another heartbreaking risk is the baby could die within 28 days of birth.

Aged 17, Maeve Everett, was shocked to discover her 270-pound frame may affect her dream of becoming a mom.

The health scare from her doctor pushed her in the right direction to change her poor relationship with food.

Now, two years on, Maeve, a college student from Michigan, weighs 130 pounds and couldn't be happier with her size six physique.

She said: "I have been overweight since I was five years old; my parents tried to guide me but there's only so much they can do."

"As I got older, I realized I stood out compared to my peers and knew I was overweight. At 15, I was told by doctors I was obese."

"Usually, kids have a fast metabolism but my genetics disagreed."

"As a teenager, I joined the gym and hired a personal trainer. I put in the work five days a week. I was present but not trying hard enough nor adjusting my diet."

"I continued to eat junk and huge portions so the weight didn't shift."

During the early months of 2020, Maeve went to the doctor for a yearly check-up.

She told Newsweek: "I thought I knew what to expect. I thought I would just be told that my weight was too high and my habits were too unhealthy."

"But to my surprise, I was informed that due to the rate I was gaining weight at, by the age people traditionally have children, it would be unsafe for me to carry and birth a child."

"Starting a family has always been a dream of mine so the alarming news gave me that extra motivation I needed."

Newsweek spoke with Dr. Scott A. Sullivan, a specialty care physician board certified in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics and gynecology.

"Most obese women are fertile, but the risk of infertility is increased," said Sullivan, who is division chief, of maternal-fetal medicine at Inova Health System in Falls Church, Virginia.

"Obesity is associated with difficulty ovulating, altered egg and endometrium function and lower rates of success with assisted reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization. (IVF) Infertility from obesity can lead to delays in being able to conceive," he said.

As the country went into a national lockdown, Maeve decided to dedicate her time to repairing her relationship with food.

Within 14 months, Maeve revamped her wardrobe, swapping her size XXL clothing for size six gear.

"I was 17 in a pandemic and stuck in the house with lots of time to think.

"I was limited from eating out daily and forced to cook food.

"Usually, I would opt for McDonald's, Wendy's, or Burger King because it was convenient.

"My family has a better relationship with food so eating with them at home had a positive influence on me."

'Avoid Fad diets'

Weight loss dietitian Ayat Sleymann, who specializes in helping mothers, told Newsweek: "Studies show that women with obesity have a higher risk of infertility. In fact, one of the most important factors that affect fertility is weight. This is because higher body fat affects the amount and types of circulating hormones, like estrogen. It is estimated that infertility rises 4 percent per unit of BMI, but the good news is losing just 5 percent to 10 percent of total body weight can improve pregnancy rates.

"A few lifestyle changes can drastically improve fertility rates. It is important to focus on eating a diet rich in unsaturated fats, like fish, nuts, and seeds. Also, foods rich in antioxidants like folate and zinc have been shown to improve fertility. These foods include beans, fruit, meat, eggs, and whole grains," said Michigan-based Sleymann, who owns Sleymann Nutrition, LLC.

"In general, eating more vegetables, replacing trans fat foods like frozen pizza with healthy monounsaturated fats, eating more whole grains, getting enough calcium-rich foods, and taking a prenatal vitamin will help you meet nutrient needs and promote a healthy weight. And definitely avoid going on fad diets, which can quickly deplete your body of the nutrients it needs for pregnancy."

When Maeve decided to knuckle down and prioritize her weight, she began by cutting her calories from 3,000 or more per day to 2,200.

"I started off by shrinking my portions down but the long-term solution was calorie deficit and exercising six days per week," she said.

"The first calorie deficit was 2,200 calories per day then it went down to 1,300 at the lowest.

"Not everyone's bodies need that few calories to lose weight, everyone is different."

Within months, Maeve noticed a dramatic difference in her physical and mental well-being.

She said: "Previously, I would get out of breath from just walking up the stairs.

"I also struggled with my appearance at times. I would go through waves of sadness, it's hard trying to convince yourself you're enough when in the back of your mind you don't think you are.

"Whereas now, I love myself and believe it. I am proud of how I have changed myself, it is miraculous how good I feel now.

"I always knew deep down that I could lead a healthy and happy life."

Maeve has continued to follow her strict exercise regime that involves 40 minutes of cardio and 20 minutes of core or strength workouts, six days a week.

For many years, Maeve admits thinking a smaller frame was "impossible" but now she uses her transformation as a way to inspire others.

"To anyone out there who thinks their dream body is too much of an ambitious goal, it isn't.

"All you have to do is believe in yourself and know that it is possible.

"It isn't going to be easy but it is going to be worth it.

"I have been left with loose skin but would a million times over have the skin rather than how I used to feel."

Maeve now uses her social media platform to encourage and inspire others.

Maeve's Diet Before

Breakfast - A big bowl of sugary cereal
Lunch – Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, crisps, fruit, and a brownie or slice of pizza and chips
Dinner – Burger or fried chicken sandwich with French fries or burrito
Snacks – Cakes, crisps and cheese

Maeve's Diet Now

Breakfast – Greek yogurt, two waffles, peanut butter, and banana
Lunch – Wrap with low-fat cheese and turkey
Dinner – Fish or chicken with a stir fry or rice
Snacks - Protein shakes, granola bars, fruit