Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine are working to help those in rural areas lose weight, and even get paid for it.

ROANOKE, Va. – Having a workout routine during pregnancy could help benefit your baby’s health in the long run, according to a University of Virginia School of Medicine study. While scientists have always known that exercising during pregnancy could better a baby’s health and reduce pregnancy complications and premature delivery, researcher Zhen Yan, an exercise expert at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, wanted to zero in on its possible long-term benefits. One group of mice were fed mouse chow before and during pregnancy, while the other mice had a high-fat, high-calorie diet to cause obesity. “The take-home message is that it is not too late to start to exercise if a mother finds herself pregnant. Regular exercise will not only benefit the pregnancy and labor but also the health of the baby for the long run,” said Yan.