Are Celebrity Moms Losing Too Much Weight Too Fast?

Oct. 25, 2005 — -- After giving birth, female celebrities are under enormous pressure to lose their baby weight. In just weeks, sometimes even days, an increasing number seem to have shed all the pounds they gained during pregnancy. Look no further than new mom Britney Spears, who has been photographed looking as fit as ever after giving birth to a son on Sept. 14.

The pressure to lose weight quickly leads some women to get Caesarean sections and tummy tucks -- often called a "C-tuck" -- right after giving birth. Celebrities also have the luxury of personal trainers and nutritionists to help them with rigorous diet regimes.

But is losing weight so fast healthy? "Good Morning America" medical correspondent Dr. David Katz says there are dangers to new moms if they lose weight too quickly. Katz also had tips for getting back to a healthy weight after giving birth.

  Recommended weight gain during pregnancy is between 15 and 30 pounds. The average American woman gains 30.5 pounds.

  A healthy weight loss after giving birth is one pound per week. The best way to lose is a healthy diet, portion control and moderate exercise.

  Breastfeeding can burn 500 calories a day.

  Losing weight too quickly can dry up breast milk, or compromise the nutrients in the breast milk. The mother can also lose important nutrients if she's not eating right and breastfeeding.