Multiparity is associated with high motivation to change diet among overweight and obese postpartum women

Effect of aerobic and resistive exercise on lipid profile and quality of life in overweight breastfeeding women: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding provides benefits for both mothers and babies. However, many women experience postpartum weight gain, unfavorable lipid profiles, and other postpartum problems that can adversely impact their overall quality of life (QoL).

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of adding aerobic and resistive exercise to faradic stimulation and nutritional counseling on lipid profile and QoL in overweight breastfeeding women.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Fifty-four breastfeeding women were randomly allocated into two equally sized groups. Group A underwent abdominal faradic stimulation along with nutritional counseling for 12 weeks, whereas Group B received identical faradic stimulation and nutritional counseling and engaged in a combined aerobic and resistive exercise program for the same duration. Before and after treatment, the following anthropometric measurements were evaluated: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (W/H); lipid profile analysis, such as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG); and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36).

RESULTS

All outcome measures demonstrated significant improvements within the two groups (p < 0.05). Group B showed more significant reductions in BMI, W/H ratio, and LDL, along with greater significant increases in the SF-36 domain scores for physical functioning, physical health problems, bodily pain, general health, energy/fatigue, social activity, mental health, and the total SF-36 score (p < 0.05) compared to group A post-treatment. However, there were no significant differences in HDL, TG, and the score of the emotional wellbeing domain of the SF-36 between the groups after treatment (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

12-week aerobic and resistive exercise is effective in reducing the BMI, W/H ratio, and LDL levels and enhancing the QoL in overweight breastfeeding women.

Prepregnancy dieting and obstetrical and neonatal outcomes: Findings from a national surveillance project in the United States

PROBLEM AND BACKGROUND

Women with overweight or obesity are recommended to lose weight before pregnancy. Dieting is one of the most used weight control strategies. However, the health implications of dieting before pregnancy remain unclear.

AIM

To evaluate the associations of dieting during the year before pregnancy with obstetrical and neonatal outcomes, including gestational weight gain (GWG), gestational diabetes, low birthweight, macrosomia, small-for-gestational-age infants (SGA), large-for-gestational-age infants (LGA), and preterm birth.

METHODS

This study analyzed data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), which is a surveillance project in the United States that collects data on maternal health before, during, and after pregnancy. Women who participated in PRAMS phase 7 with a prepregnancy body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 and a singleton birth were eligible. Statistical analyses included logistic regressions and post-hoc mediation analysis (Sobel Test).

FINDINGS

A total number of 51,399 women were included in the analysis. Women who self-reported prepregnancy dieting (42.8 %) had lower odds of SGA (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.87; 95 % CI: 0.79-0.97), and higher odds of excessive GWG vs adequate GWG (aOR: 1.42; 95 % CI: 1.32-1.52), gestational diabetes (aOR: 1.12; 95 % CI: 1.02-1.22), and LGA (aOR: 1.18; 95 % CI: 1.08-1.28). Furthermore, the association between prepregnancy dieting and LGA was mediated by excessive GWG (Sobel Test z-value = 5.72, p < 0.01).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This analysis revealed that prepregnancy dieting was associated with several adverse consequences, including excessive GWG, gestational diabetes, and LGA infants. Findings contribute to an improved understanding of the perinatal implications of prepregnancy dieting.

Dietary treatment postpartum in women with obesity reduces weight and prevents weight gain: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Women with pre-pregnancy obesity have an increased risk of retaining or gaining weight postpartum and may benefit from weight loss treatment. However, evidence is lacking for weight loss strategies in women with BMIs in the higher obesity classes. A dietary treatment for postpartum weight loss resulted in a 10% weight reduction in lactating women with a mean BMI of 30 kg/m2. We aimed to examine the effects of this dietary treatment on changes in weight, markers of lipid and glucose metabolism, waist and hip circumference and postpartum weight retention (PPWR) in postpartum women with higher BMIs than tested previously.

METHODS

At baseline, approximately 8 weeks postpartum, 29 women with a mean (SD) BMI = 40.0 (5.2) kg/m2 were randomised to a 12-week dietary treatment (n 14) or to a control treatment (n 15). Measurements were made at baseline and after 3 and 12 months. Data was analysed using mixed model.

RESULTS

The mean weight change in the diet group was -2.3 (3.1) kg compared to 1.7 (3.1) kg in the control group after 3 months (P = 0.003) and -4.2 (5.6) kg compared to 4.8 (11.8) kg in the control group after 12 months (P = 0.02). The dietary treatment led to reduced waist circumference (P < 0.04) and PPWR (P < 0.01) compared to the control treatment at both time points. The treatment lowered fasting blood glucose at 12 months (P = 0.007) as the only effect on markers of lipid and glucose metabolism.

CONCLUSION

The dietary treatment postpartum reduced weight and prevented weight retention or weight gain in women with obesity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03579667) 06/07/2018. In a randomised, controlled trial, 29 postpartum women with obesity were allocated to a dietary treatment or a control treatment. The dietary treatment reduced weight and prevented postpartum weight retention or weight gain after 12 months. Reference: Adapted from "Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Study Design (2 Arms, Graphical)", by BioRender.com (2022). Retrieved from https://app.biorender.com/biorender-templates .

The nutritional literacy of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and its association with treatment self-regulation and perceived social support

PURPOSE

Chemotherapy can lead to malnutrition and post-menopausal recurrence among breast cancer (BC) patients, who need to achieve nutritional literacy (NL) to cope. The objective of this study was to explore the NL level in Chinese BC patients receiving chemotherapy and its predictors including both internal motivation and the external environment.

METHODS

A total of 326 BC female patients from three hospitals were enrolled. Participants completed the Nutrition Literacy Measurement Scale for Chinese Adult (NLMS-CA), Chinese version from the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ-C), and the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) to assess NL, treatment self-regulation, and social support. Stepwise multivariate linear regression was used to identify the main factors of NL.

RESULTS

The total NL score was 151.31 ± 16.85, the "knowledge understanding" dimension had the lowest score. In the final regression model, patients with higher scores for "autonomous motivation" and "introjected regulation" on the TSRQ-C and "family support" and "other support" on the PSSS, higher educational levels and average monthly household incomes and endocrine therapy had higher NL levels (adjusted R2 = 66.7%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall NL score among Chinese BC patients receiving chemotherapy was satisfactory, but the knowledge understanding score was low. Higher autonomous motivation, introjected regulation, family support and other support scores, higher educational and household income levels, and endocrine therapy were predictors of NL in female patients. Interventions should be designed according to the specific performances and predictors of NL in female patients.

Effects of dietary and exercise treatments on HDL subclasses in lactating women with overweight and obesity: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial

Childbearing decreases HDL-cholesterol, potentially contributing to the increased risk of CVD in parous women. Large HDL particles (HDL-P) are associated with lower risk of CVD. In this secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial, we investigated the effects of 12-week dietary and exercise treatments on HDL-P subclass concentration, size and apoA1 in lactating women with overweight/obesity. At 10-14 weeks postpartum, 68 women with pre-pregnant BMI 25-35 kg/m² were randomised to four groups using 2 × 2 factorial design: (1) dietary treatment for weight loss; (2) exercise treatment; (3) both treatments and (4) no treatment. Lipoprotein subclass profiling by NMR spectroscopy was performed in serum at randomisation and after 3 and 12 months, and the results analysed with two-way ANCOVA. Lipid concentrations decline naturally postpartum. At 3 months (5-6 months postpartum), both diet (P = 0·003) and exercise (P = 0·008) reduced small HDL-P concentration. Concurrently, exercise limited the decline in very large HDL-P (P = 0·002) and the effect was still significant at 12 months (15 months postpartum) (P = 0·041). At 12 months, diet limited the decline in very large HDL-P (P = 0·005), large HDL-P (P = 0·001) and apoA1 (P = 0·002) as well as HDL size (P = 0·002). The dietary treatment for weight loss and the exercise treatment both showed effects on HDL-P subclasses in lactating women with overweight and obesity possibly associated with lower CVD risk. The dietary treatment had more effects than the exercise treatment at 12 months, likely associated with a 10 % weight loss.

Nutritional, Anthropometric and Sociodemographic Factors Affecting Fatty Acids Profile of Pregnant Women's Serum at Labour-Chemometric Studies

Diet influences the health of pregnant women and their children in prenatal, postnatal and adult periods. GC-FID fatty acids profile analysis in maternal serum and a survey of dietary habits were performed in 161 pregnant patients from the II Faculty and Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Medical University of Warsaw. Their diet did not fulfil all nutritional recommendations regarding dietary fat sources. Olive and rapeseed oil were the most popular edible oils. High usage of sunflower oil as well as high consumption of butter were also observed, whereas fish and fish oil intake by pregnant women was low. A chemometric approach for nutritional data, connected with anthropometric, sociodemographic and biochemical parameters regarding mothers and newborns, was conducted for diet and its impact estimation. It revealed four clusters of patients with differing fatty acids profile, which resulted from differences in their dietary habits. Multiparous women to a lesser extent followed dietary recommendations, which resulted in deterioration of fatty acids profile and higher frequency of complications. Observed high usage of sunflower oil is disquieting due to its lower oxidative stability, whereas high butter consumption is beneficial due to conjugated linoleic acids supply. Pregnant women should also be encouraged to introduce fish and fish oil into their diet, as these products are rich sources of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA). Multiparous women should be given special medical care by medical providers (physicians, midwifes and dietitians) and growing attention from the government to diminish the risk of possible adverse effects affecting mother and child.

Household Composition, Income, and Body Mass Index Among Adults by Race/Ethnicity and Sex

OBJECTIVE

Disparities in obesity highlight the need for an examination of determinants that may be uniquely experienced by race and sex. An understudied factor is household composition with the potential for variation in its obesogenic impacts. This study examines the association between household composition and body mass index (BMI) among Black, Hispanic, and White adults and determines whether income moderates these associations.

METHODS

Using cross-sectional data from the 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the number of children and adults aged ≥ 60 years in the household were reported among non-Hispanic Black and White adults as well as Hispanic adults aged 20-59 years old. Multivariable linear regressions were used to assess the associations between household composition and BMI with income as a potential moderator.

RESULTS

Having multiple school-aged children was associated with higher BMI (β = 1.34, standard error (s.e.) = 0.50) among Hispanic men, while having older adults in the household was associated with lower BMI among Black women (β = - 3.21, s.e. = 1.42). Income moderated the associations between household composition and BMI among Black women and men. There were no associations between household composition and BMI in White women or men.

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies should further explicate the mechanisms of household composition that uniquely impact obesity outcomes among Black women and men by income. Efforts to address higher BMI among those with more young children in the household should target Hispanic men.

Associations of Pregnancy History with BMI and Weight Gain in 45-54-Year-Old Women

BACKGROUND

Midlife women have a higher risk of cardiometabolic disease than younger women, but the lifelong biological/lifestyle factors responsible for this increase are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether pregnancy history is a risk factor for midlife overweight/obesity and evaluated potential hormonal mechanisms.

METHODS

The Baltimore Midlife Women's Health Study, a prospective cohort, recruited 772 women aged 45-54 y. Women reported pregnancy characteristics via questionnaires, trained staff measured weight/height to calculate midlife BMI, and serum hormones were assessed by ELISA. Logistic regression models assessed associations of pregnancy history with risk of midlife overweight/obesity and BMI gain since age 18. We additionally explored whether associations differed by menopausal status, and whether midlife hormones mediated relationships of pregnancy history and midlife BMI.

RESULTS

These premenopausal or perimenopausal women were 66% Caucasian/White and 30% African American/Black, with a median of 2 live births (range: 0-11) and median age at first birth of 27 y (range: 12-46 y). Women with 0 and ≥2 live births had lower odds of overweight/obesity than those with 1 birth (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.96; P = 0.04, and OR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.95; P = 0.03, respectively). Women with ≥2 live births also had lower odds of BMI gain than those with 1 birth (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.41, 1.06; P = 0.08). Furthermore, women who were older at their first birth had lower odds of overweight/obesity (OR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.00; P = 0.03) and BMI gain (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.93, 1.00; P = 0.06). Number of pregnancies and age at last pregnancy were not associated with midlife overweight/obesity or BMI gain. Associations did not differ by menopausal status and were not explained by midlife hormones.

CONCLUSIONS

Earlier childbirth and having 1 child increased women's risk of midlife overweight/obesity and BMI gain since age 18. Additional studies should focus on women's childbearing years as a critical determinant of midlife metabolic health.

Design of a novel digital intervention to promote healthy weight management among postpartum African American women

BACKGROUND

Excess weight retention among postpartum women is a risk factor for long term obesity, and African American women are at heightened risk. New solutions, including digital technologies and community-based approaches are needed. Digital platforms, like social media, provide opportunity for participant co-creation (i.e., content co-generated by users and investigators) of health messages and may allow for adaptation of evidence-based weight management interventions to reduce participant burden. The BeFAB intervention, a branded, digital weight management program, tests this hypothesis.

METHODS

BeFAB content comprises culturally-specific nutrition, physical activity, stress management, health information seeking and related weight management messages and content designed for African American women. The intervention is 12 weeks in duration, delivered through a mobile phone app, and is designed to target specific behavioral predictor beliefs and attitudinal measures (e.g., self-efficacy to achieve weight management goals) based on the culturally-specific content. Use of personal, culturally-specific video-based narratives in the app, and through a secret Facebook group, are included to help model HEAL behaviors and brand BeFAB. Intervention development consisted of iterative formative research steps to engage African American women. The program will be evaluated in a small randomized trial among patients recruited at a clinical facility.

CONCLUSIONS

BeFAB applies evidence-based content using a promising digital approach. It is novel in its use of branding, culturally-tailored content, and digital technology for behavior change.Evaluation of BeFAB will contribute to the growing literature on digital health behavior change interventions for weight management.

Maternal interpregnancy weight change and premature birth: Findings from an English population-based cohort study

Background

The relationship between maternal weight change between pregnancies and premature birth is unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether interpregnancy weight change between first and second, or second and third pregnancy is associated with premature birth.

Methods

Routinely collected data from 2003 to 2018 from one English maternity centre was used to produce two cohorts. The primary cohort (n = 14,961 women) consisted of first and second live-birth pregnancies. The secondary cohort (n = 5,108 women) consisted of second and third live-birth pregnancies. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between interpregnancy BMI change and premature births adjusted for confounders. Subgroup analyses were carried out, stratifying by initial pregnancy BMI groups and analysing spontaneous and indicated premature births separately.

Results

In the primary cohort, 3.4% (n = 514) of births were premature compared to 4.2% (n = 212) in the secondary cohort, with fewer indicated than spontaneous premature births in both cohorts.

Primary cohort

Weight loss (>3kg/m²) was associated with increased odds of premature birth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR):3.50, 95% CI: 1.78–6.88), and spontaneous premature birth (aOR: 3.34, 95%CI: 1.60–6.98), in women who were normal weight (BMI 18.5-25kg/m²) at first pregnancy. Weight gain >1kg/m² was not associated with premature birth regardless of starting BMI.

Secondary cohort

Losing >3kg/m² was associated with increased odds of premature birth (aOR: 2.01, 95%CI: 1.05–3.87), when analysing the whole sample, but not when restricting the analysis to women who were overweight or obese at second pregnancy.

Conclusions

Normal-weight women who lose significant weight (>3kg/m²) between their first and second live pregnancies have greater odds of premature birth compared to normal-weight women who remain weight stable in the interpregnancy period. There was no evidence of association between weight change in women who were overweight or obese at the start of their first pregnancy and premature birth.

Cost-effectiveness and quality of life of a diet intervention postpartum: 2-year results from a randomized controlled trial

Background

Pregnancy has been identified as a contributor to obesity. We have shown that a diet intervention postpartum produced a 2-y weight loss of 8%. Here, we present the impact of the diet intervention on cost-effectiveness and explore changes in quality of life (QOL).

Methods

A total of 110 postpartum women with overweight/obesity were randomly assigned to diet (D-group) or control (C-group). D-group received a 12-wk diet intervention within primary health care followed by monthly emails up to the 1-y follow-up. C-group received a brochure. Changes in QOL were measured using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey and EQ-5D. The analysis of cost-effectiveness was a cost-utility analysis with a health care perspective and included costs of intervention for stakeholder, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained and savings in health care. The likelihood of cost-effectiveness was examined using the net monetary benefit method.

Results

The D-group increased their QOL more than the C-group at 12 wk. and 1 y, with pronounced differences for the dimensions general health and mental health, and the mental component summary score (all p < 0.05). Cost per gained QALY was 1704–7889 USD. The likelihood for cost-effectiveness, based on a willingness to pay 50,000 USD per QALY, was 0.77–1.00.

Conclusions

A diet intervention that produced clinically relevant postpartum weight loss also resulted in increased QOL and was cost-effective.

Trial registration

Clinical trials, NCT01949558, 2013-09-24

High protein diet promotes body weight loss among Brazilian postpartum women

There is evidence in the general population that adhering to a high protein and low carbohydrate diet may help in losing weight. However, there is little evidence among postpartum women. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a high protein diet on weight loss among postpartum women. A parallel-randomized controlled trial with 94 postpartum women was conducted in a maternity ward in Mesquita county (recruitment from February 2009 to December 2010) and in a polyclinic in Rio de Janeiro city (recruitment from December 2010 to December 2011). Women were randomized to the intervention group (IG) or control group (CG), and both groups received an isocaloric diet (1,800 kcal). Additionally, the IG received approximately 25 g of protein obtained from 125 g per week of sardine to increase daily dietary protein content and was advised to restrict carbohydrate intake. The CG received nutritional counselling to follow the national nutrition guidelines (15% protein, 60% carbohydrates, and 25% lipids). A linear mixed-effects model was used to test the effect of high protein intake and macronutrient intake on weight loss during the postpartum period. Body weight decreased in the IG compared with the CG (ß = -0.325; p = 0.049) among overweight and obese postpartum women. The percentage of energy intake from lipid (ß = -0.023; p = 0.050) was negatively associated with body weight, and carbohydrate intake (ß = 0.020; p = 0.026) was positively associated with body weight over time among all women. Protein intake and lower carbohydrate intake may be used as a dietary strategy to improve body weight loss during the postpartum period.

A cross sectional study investigating weight management motivations, methods and perceived healthy eating and physical activity influences in women up to five years following childbirth

OBJECTIVE

to explore motivations for weight change, weight loss methods used and factors perceived to influence healthy eating and physical activity for weight management following childbirth, and to evaluate differences by socio-demographic, weight status and pregnancy characteristics.

DESIGN

cross-sectional online survey completed from May to August 2013.

PARTICIPANTS

Australian women (n=874, aged 32.8±4.5 years, pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index 25.6±5.7kg/m²) aged 18-40 years who had given birth in the previous 5 years MEASUREMENTS: women self-reported socio-demographic, weight status and pregnancy characteristics. Those who reported being unhappy at their current weight ranked their most to least important reasons for wanting to change their weight from a list of nine options. Weight control methods used in the previous two years were reported from a list of 12 options. Perceived healthy eating and physical activity factors influencing weight management were assessed across 20 items using a five-point Likert scale.

FINDINGS

the most prevalent motivators reported for weight change were to improve health (26.1%) and lift mood (20.3%). Three-quarters (75.7%) of women reported having used at least one weight loss method in the previous two years. Time constraints due to family commitments, enjoyment of physical activity and healthy eating, motivation and cost were factors most commonly reported to influence weight management. Body mass index, parity, education, household income and time since last birth were related to motivations for weight change, weight loss methods used and/or factors perceived to influence weight management.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

weight management support provided by health professionals should consider women's expressed motivators and factors influencing weight management, along with differences in sociodemographic, pregnancy and weight status characteristics, in order to engage women at this life-stage and facilitate adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Effectiveness of a weight loss intervention in postpartum women: results from a randomized controlled trial in primary health care

BACKGROUND

Reproduction has been identified as an important factor for long-term weight gain among women. A previous efficacy trial has successfully produced postpartum weight loss; however, the effectiveness of this intervention needs to be established.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of a diet behavior modification treatment to produce weight loss in postpartum women within the primary health care setting in Sweden.

DESIGN

During 2011-2014, 110 women with a self-reported body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)) of ≥27 at 6-15 wk postpartum were randomly assigned to the diet behavior modification group (D group) or the control group (C group). Women randomly assigned to the D group (n = 54) received a structured 12-wk diet behavior modification treatment by a dietitian and were instructed to gradually implement a diet plan based on the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations and to self-weigh ≥3 times/wk. Women randomly assigned to the C group (n = 56) were given a brochure on healthy eating. The primary outcome was change in body weight after 12 wk and 1 y. The retention rate was 91% and 85% at 12 wk and 1 y, respectively.

RESULTS

At baseline, women had a median (1st, 3rd quartile) BMI of 31.0 (28.8, 33.6), and 84% were breastfeeding. After 12 wk, median weight change in the D group was -6.1 kg (-8.4, -3.2 kg) compared with -1.6 kg (-3.5, -0.4 kg) in the C group (P < 0.001). The difference was maintained at the 1-y follow-up for the D group, -10.0 kg (-11.7, -5.9 kg) compared with -4.3 kg (-10.2, -1.0 kg) in the C group (P = 0.004). In addition, the D group reduced BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and body fat percentage more than did the C group at both 12 wk and 1 y (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A low-intensity diet treatment delivered by a dietitian within the primary health care setting can produce clinically relevant and sustainable weight loss in postpartum women with overweight and obesity. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01949558.

"As soon as you've had the baby that's it…" a qualitative study of 24 postnatal women on their experience of maternal obesity care pathways

Background

Maternal obesity is associated with risks to mother and infant, and has implications for healthcare costs. United Kingdom (UK) levels of maternal obesity are rising, with higher prevalence in North East (NE) England, where this study was set. Pregnancy is often seen as an opportune time for intervention – a ‘teachable moment’ - which is ripe for promoting behaviour change. In response to rising obesity levels, a National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust in NE England implemented three maternal obesity care pathways contingent on Body Mass Index (BMI) at time of booking: pathway 1 for those with BMI ≥30 kg/m²; pathway 2 for BMI ≥35 kg/m²; and pathway 3 for BMI ≥40 kg/m². These incorporated relevant antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal clinical requirements, and included a focus on weight management intervention. This evaluation explored the accounts of postnatal women who had been through one of these pathways in pregnancy.

Methods

The study used a generic qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to explore the views and experiences of 24 recent mothers (aged 20–42), living in NE England, who had commenced on one of the pathways during pregnancy. Interviews explored experiences of weight management support during and after pregnancy, and perceived gaps in this support. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results

Three main themes emerged reflecting women’s views and experiences of the pathways: communication about the pathways; treating obese pregnant women with sensitivity and respect; and appropriate and accessible lifestyle services and information for women during and after pregnancy. An overarching theme: differences in care, support and advice, was evident when comparing the experiences of women on pathways 1 or 2 with those on pathway 3.

Conclusions

This study indicated that women were not averse to risk management and weight management intervention during and after pregnancy. However, in order to improve reach and effectiveness, such interventions need to be well communicated and offer constructive, individualised advice and support. The postnatal phase may also offer an opportune moment for intervention, suggesting that the simple notion of seeing pregnancy alone as a window of opportunity or a ‘teachable moment’ should be reconsidered.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3289-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

An evaluation of the implementation of maternal obesity pathways of care: a mixed methods study with data integration

OBJECTIVES

Maternal obesity has multiple associated risks and requires substantial intervention. This research evaluated the implementation of maternal obesity care pathways from multiple stakeholder perspectives.

STUDY DESIGN

A simultaneous mixed methods model with data integration was used. Three component studies were given equal priority. 1: Semi-structured qualitative interviews explored obese pregnant women's experiences of being on the pathways. 2: A quantitative and qualitative postal survey explored healthcare professionals' experiences of delivering the pathways. 3: A case note audit quantitatively assessed pathway compliance. Data were integrated using following a thread and convergence coding matrix methods to search for agreement and disagreement between studies.

RESULTS

Study 1: Four themes were identified: women's overall (positive and negative) views of the pathways; knowledge and understanding of the pathways; views on clinical and weight management advice and support; and views on the information leaflet. Key results included positive views of receiving additional clinical care, negative experiences of risk communication, and weight management support was considered a priority. Study 2: Healthcare professionals felt the pathways were worthwhile, facilitated good practice, and increased confidence. Training was consistently identified as being required. Healthcare professionals predominantly focussed on women's response to sensitive obesity communication. Study 3: There was good compliance with antenatal clinical interventions. However, there was poor compliance with public health and postnatal interventions. There were some strong areas of agreement between component studies which can inform future development of the pathways. However, disagreement between studies included a lack of shared priorities between healthcare professionals and women, different perspectives on communication issues, and different perspectives on women's prioritisation of weight management.

CONCLUSION

The differences between healthcare professionals' and women's priorities and perspectives are important factors to consider when developing care pathways. Shared perspectives could help facilitate more effective implementation of the pathway interventions that have poor compliance.

Coping with Weight-related Discrepancies: Initial Development of the WEIGHTCOPE

PURPOSE

The present research sought to provide the initial development, validation and reliability for a measure (WEIGHTCOPE) to assess the variation in how women, who are currently trying to lose or maintain weight, cope with common, perceived weight-related discrepancies.

METHODS

To this end, two studies were conducted to 1) develop an initial list of coping responses to common weight-related triggers, 2) create an initial measurement model through exploratory factor analysis (study 1; n = 470), and 3) provide initial validation for the measure through confirmatory factor analysis (study 2; n = 310).

FINDINGS

Results support the initial validity and reliability of a 38-item, 10-factor structure: Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, Suppressed Eating, Supplement Use, Self-Regulation, Positive Reframing, Social Support, Disengagement, Camouflage, and Comfort Food. The present findings reiterate individual variation in coping choice in response to a perceived weight-related discrepancy, and its prospective assessment with the WEIGHTCOPE.

CONCLUSIONS

The WEIGHTCOPE can be an integral tool for public health and clinical practice, where triggers are common, and interventions are employed to enhance the use of more positive forms of weight control behaviors and/or avoid negative consequences of weight- and fat-related discrepancies. Future research can use the WEIGHTCOPE to help guide theoretical and pragmatic approaches to various triggering events and potential moderators of coping.

What barriers thwart postpartum women's physical activity goals during a 12-month intervention? A process evaluation of the Nā Mikimiki Project

Approximately 70% of new mothers do not meet national guidelines for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The Nā Mikimiki ("the active ones") Project (2008-2011) was designed to increase MVPA among women with infants 2-12 months old. Participants' barriers to exercising and achievement of specific MVPA goals were discussed during telephone counseling calls over 12 months. Healthy, inactive women (n = 115, mean age = 31 ± 5 years, infants' mean age = 5.5 ± 3 months; 80% racial/ethnic minorities) received a total of 17 calls over 12 months in three phases. During Phase 1 weekly calls were made for a month, in Phase 2 biweekly calls were made for 2 months, and in Phase 3 monthly calls were made for 9 months. Across all phases, the most frequent barriers to achieving MVPA goals were: time/too busy (25%), sick child (11%), and illness (10%). Goals for MVPA minutes per week were achieved or surpassed 40.6% of the time during weekly calls, 39.9% during biweekly calls, and 42.0% during monthly calls. The least likely MVPA goals to be achieved (p < 0.04) were those which the woman encountered and for which she failed to overcome the barriers she had previously anticipated would impair her improvement of MVPA. This process evaluation demonstrated that telephone counseling somewhat facilitated the resolution of barriers and achievement of MVPA goals; thus, if clinical settings adopted such methods, chronic disease risks could be reduced in this vulnerable population of new mothers.

Changes in food choice during a successful weight loss trial in overweight and obese postpartum women

OBJECTIVE

To examine changes in intake across food groups during a weight loss trial that produced significant and sustainable weight loss in lactating women receiving dietary treatment.

METHODS

At 10-14 wk postpartum, 61 overweight and obese lactating Swedish women were randomized to a 12-wk dietary (D), exercise (E), combined (DE), or control (C) treatment. Food intake was assessed by 4-d weighed diet records which were used to examine changes in intake across seven food groups from baseline to 12 wk and 1 y after randomization. Differences in changes in food choice between women receiving dietary treatment (D+DE) and no dietary treatment (E+C) were examined using multivariate linear regression.

RESULTS

At baseline, sweets and salty snacks contributed to 21±10 percent of total energy intake (E%). During the intervention period, women receiving dietary treatment reduced their E% from sweets and salty snacks and caloric drinks and increased their E% from vegetables more than did women not receiving dietary treatment (all P < 0.010). At 1 y, the increased E% from vegetables was maintained significantly higher among women receiving dietary treatment (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Lactating women receiving dietary treatment achieved sustainable weight loss through changes in food choice in line with current dietary guidelines.

Dietary outcomes of a community based intervention for mothers of young children: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Unhealthy dietary behaviours are one of the key risk factors for many lifestyle-related diseases worldwide. This randomised controlled trial aimed to increase the level of fruit, vegetable and fibre intake and decrease the fat and sugar consumption of mothers with young children (0-5 years) via the playgroup setting.

METHODS

Playgroups located in 60 neighbourhoods in Perth, Western Australia were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 249) or control group (n = 272). Those in the intervention group received a 6-month multi-strategy primarily home-based physical activity and nutrition program (data is only presented on dietary behaviours). Data on dietary consumption was collected via the Fat and Fibre Barometer and frequency of serves of fruit and vegetable and cups of soft drink, flavoured drink and fruit juice. The effects of the intervention on continuous outcome measures were assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), after adjusting for mother's age and the corresponding variables.

RESULTS

The outcomes of the intervention were positive with the intervention group showing statistically significant improvements, when compared to the control group in the overall consumption of fat and fibre (p < 0.0005); of fibre (p < 0.0005) - fruit and vegetables (p < 0.0005), wholegrain (p = 0.002): and fat (p = 0.005) - dairy products (p = 0.006) and lean meat and chicken (p = 0.041). There were no significant changes in the consumption of sweet drinks.

CONCLUSIONS

This intervention was successful in improving dietary intake in the intervention group participants. The moderate positive outcomes indicate that playgroups potentially provide quite a viable setting to recruit, engage and retain this hard to reach group of mothers of young children in programs that support the adoption of health-enhancing behaviours. This adds valuable information to this under researched area.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000718246.

Diet and exercise interventions among overweight and obese lactating women: randomized trial of effects on cardiovascular risk factors

Objective

To examine the effects of Diet (D) and Exercise (E) interventions on cardiovascular fitness, waist circumference, blood lipids, glucose metabolism, inflammation markers, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and blood pressure in overweight and obese lactating women.

Methods

At 10–14 wk postpartum, 68 Swedish women with a self-reported pre-pregnancy BMI of 25–35 kg/m² were randomized to a 12-wk behavior modification treatment with D, E, both or control using a 2×2 factorial design. The goal of D treatment was to reduce body weight by 0.5 kg/wk, accomplished by decreasing energy intake by 500 kcal/d and monitoring weight loss through self-weighing. The goal of E treatment was to perform 4 45-min walks per wk at 60–70% of max heart-rate using a heart-rate monitor. Effects were measured 12 wk and 1 y after randomization. General Linear Modeling was used to study main and interaction effects adjusted for baseline values of dependent variable.

Results

There was a significant main effect of the D treatment, decreasing waist circumference (P = 0.001), total cholesterol (P = 0.007), LDL-cholesterol (P = 0.003) and fasting insulin (P = 0.042), at the end of the 12-wk treatment. The decreased waist circumference (P<0.001) and insulin (P = 0.024) was sustained and HDL-cholesterol increased (P = 0.005) at the 1-y follow-up. No effects from the E treatment or any interaction effects were observed.

Conclusions

Dietary behavior modification that produced sustained weight loss among overweight and obese lactating women also improved risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. This intervention may not only reduce weight-related risks with future pregnancies but also long-term risk for metabolic disease.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01343238

Results of a randomized controlled trial to promote physical activity behaviours in mothers with young children

OBJECTIVE

Increasing levels of physical activity in mothers have long-term health benefits for the mother and family. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a six-month, physical activity RCT for mothers of young children.

METHODS

Women were recruited via playgroups and randomly assigned to intervention (n=394) or control group (n=322). The intervention group received a six-month multi-strategy programme delivered via playgroups in Perth, Australia. measures were mean minutes per week of moderate (M) and vigorous (V) intensity physical activity (PA), and number of days/week of muscle strength exercises.

RESULTS

The intervention had a significant effect on mean time for vigorous (p=0.008), moderate (p=0.023) and total physical activity (p=0.001) when compared to the control group. The intervention group increased their vigorous activity by a mean of 24min/week, moderate activity by 23min/week and total physical activity by 72min/week.

CONCLUSIONS

A relatively minimum home based intervention was able to demonstrate modest but statistically significant improvements in physical activity in a hard to reach group. These changes if maintained over a longer period are likely to improve the health of mothers and have a positive impact on their partners and children. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000735257.

Transformative Lifestyle Change: key to sustainable weight loss among women in a post-partum diet and exercise intervention

The increase in overweight and obesity among women is a growing concern, and reproduction is associated with persistent weight gain. We have shown that dietary behavioural modification treatment, with or without exercise, results in weight loss and maintenance of weight loss. The aim of this study was to provide an explanatory model of how overweight and obese women achieve weight loss during, and after, participating in a post-partum diet and/or exercise intervention. Using Grounded Theory, we performed and analysed 29 interviews with 21 women in a 12-week Swedish post-partum lifestyle intervention with a 9-month follow-up. Interviews were made after the intervention and at the 9-month follow-up. To overcome initial barriers to weight loss, the women needed a 'Catalytic Interaction' (CI) from the care provider. It depended on individualised, concrete, specific and useful information, and an emotional bond through joint commitment, trust and accountability. Weight loss was underpinned by gradual introduction of conventional health behaviours. However, the implementation depended on the experience of the core category process 'Transformative Lifestyle Change' (TLC). This developed through a transformative process of reciprocal changes in cognitions, emotions, body, environment, behaviours and perceived self. Women accomplishing the stages of the TLC process were successful in weight loss, in contrast to those who did not. The TLC process, dependent on initiation through CI, led to implementation and integration of recognised health behaviours, resulting in sustainable weight loss. The TLC model, including the CI construct and definition of barriers, facilitators and strategies provides an explanatory model of this process.

Diet or exercise, or both, for weight reduction in women after childbirth

BACKGROUND

Weight retention after pregnancy may contribute to obesity. It is known that diet and exercise are recommended components of any weight loss programme in the general population. However, strategies to achieve healthy body weight among postpartum women have not been adequately evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this review were to evaluate the effect of diet, exercise or both for weight reduction in women after childbirth, and to assess the impact of these interventions on maternal body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, breastfeeding performance and other child and maternal outcomes.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 January 2012) and LILACS (31 January 2012). We scanned secondary references and contacted experts in the field. We updated the search of the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register on 30 April 2013 and added the results to the awaiting classification section of the review.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All published and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials of diet or exercise or both, among women during the postpartum period.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Both review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Results are presented using risk ratio (RR) for categorical data and mean difference (MD) for continuous data. Data were analysed with a fixed-effect model. A random-effects model was used in the presence of heterogeneity.

MAIN RESULTS

Fourteen trials were included, but only 12 trials involving 910 women contributed data to outcome analysis. Women who exercised did not lose significantly more weight than women in the usual care group (two trials; n = 53; MD -0.10 kg; 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.90 to 1.71). Women who took part in a diet (one trial; n = 45; MD -1.70 kg; 95% CI -2.08 to -1.32), or diet plus exercise programme (seven trials; n = 573; MD -1.93 kg; 95% CI -2.96 to -0.89; random-effects, T² = 1.09, I² = 71%), lost significantly more weight than women in the usual care group. There was no difference in the magnitude of weight loss between diet alone and diet plus exercise group (one trial; n = 43; MD 0.30 kg; 95% CI -0.06 to 0.66). The interventions seemed not to affect breastfeeding performance adversely.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from this review suggests that both diet and exercise together and diet alone help women to lose weight after childbirth. Nevertheless, it may be preferable to lose weight through a combination of diet and exercise as this improves maternal cardiorespiratory fitness and preserves fat-free mass, while diet alone reduces fat-free mass. This needs confirmation in large trials of high methodological quality. For women who are breastfeeding, more evidence is required to confirm whether diet or exercise, or both, is not detrimental for either mother or baby.

Women's perspectives are required to inform the development of maternal obesity services: a qualitative study of obese pregnant women's experiences

BACKGROUND

Increasing maternal obesity trends and accompanying risks have led to the development of guidelines internationally. However, the evidence-base is poor for effective intervention, and there is a lack of representation from the perspective of obese pregnant women in guidelines. Women's engagement with weight management support services is low.

OBJECTIVE

To explore obese pregnant women's experiences to better understand factors which need to be considered when developing services that women will find acceptable and utilize.

POPULATION

Obese women referred to an antenatal dietetic service in the Northeast of England, UK.

METHODS

Low-structured depth-interviews allowed women to freely discuss their own experiences. Discussion prompts were included; however, issues that women raised were explored thoroughly. Women summarized what they considered most important to ensure the analyses placed appropriate emphasis on factors women perceived as important. Thematic analysis identified common themes. Saturation was confirmed after 15 interviews.

RESULTS

Key issues included: women's weight; families; experience of negativity; and priorities and desired outcomes. These combined represented women's perspectives of issues which they considered important and integral to their lived experience of being obese and pregnant. The theme incorporates women's pregnancy-related experiences, as well as life experiences which contributed to how they felt about their weight during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

There are strong associations with women's lived experiences and engagement with antenatal weight management services. Incorporating women's perspectives in the development of these services could encourage engagement by focussing on women's priorities and motivations, while taking into consideration their socially related experiences in addition to their clinical health needs.

Postpartum Weight Self-Management: A Concept Analysis

Aim: The aim of this concept analysis is to create a clear definition and framework to guide weight self-management research and promotion of healthy weight self-management during the postpartum period. Background: A woman’s ability to manage her weight through the postpartum transition has lifelong implications for her weight status. Methods: This concept analysis was guided by Walker and Avant (2005). A broad search of sources was performed, yielding 56 articles in which postpartum weight self-management was the main focus. Results: From consideration of the attributes of postpartum weight self-management, a descriptive, situation-specific theory emerged: Postpartum weight self-management is a process by which the transition to motherhood is viewed by the woman as an opportunity to intentionally engage in healthy weight self-management behaviors by minimizing the salient inhibitors and maximizing the salient facilitators to action. Conclusion: This analysis provides a clarification of the process concept of postpartum weight self-management and its consequences, giving direction for measurement, clinical application, and further research. Future nursing interventions and research should be aimed at helping women to view the postpartum period as a normative transition in which they have the opportunity to take charge of their own health and the health of their family.

Diet and exercise weight-loss trial in lactating overweight and obese women

BACKGROUND

Current evidence suggests a combined treatment of postpartum weight loss of diet and exercise. However, to our knowledge, neither their separate and interactive effects nor long-term outcomes have been evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated whether a 12-wk dietary behavior modification (D) treatment to decrease energy intake, physical exercise behavior modification (E) treatment to implement moderate aerobic exercise, or combined dietary and physical exercise behavior modification (DE) treatment compared with control (usual care) (C) reduces body weight in lactating women measured at the end of treatment and at a 1-y follow-up 9 mo after treatment termination.

DESIGN

At 10-14 wk postpartum, 68 lactating Swedish women with a prepregnancy BMI (in kg/m²) of 25-35 were randomly assigned to D, E, DE, or C groups. Measurements were made at baseline, after the intervention, and again at a 1-y follow-up 9 mo later. A 2 × 2 factorial approach was used to analyze main and interaction effects of treatments.

RESULTS

Weight changes after the intervention and 1-y follow-up were -8.3 ± 4.2 and -10.2 ± 5.7 kg, respectively, in the D group; -2.4 ± 3.2 and -2.7 ± 5.9 kg, respectively, in the E group; -6.9 ± 3.0 and -7.3 ± 6.3 kg, respectively, in the DE group; and -0.8 ± 3.0 and -0.9 ± 6.6 kg, respectively, in the C group. The main effects of D treatment, but not of E treatment, on weight were significant at both times (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary treatment provided clinically relevant weight loss in lactating postpartum women, which was sustained at 9 mo after treatment. The combined treatment did not yield significant weight or body-composition changes beyond those of dietary treatment alone.

Diet or exercise, or both, for weight reduction in women after childbirth

BACKGROUND

Weight retention after pregnancy may contribute to obesity. It is known that diet and exercise are recommended components of any weight loss programme in the general population. However, strategies to achieve healthy body weight among postpartum women have not been adequately evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this review were to evaluate the effect of diet, exercise or both for weight reduction in women after childbirth, and to assess the impact of these interventions on maternal body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, breastfeeding performance and other child and maternal outcomes.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (September 2006) and LILACS. We scanned secondary references and contacted experts in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All published and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCT) and quasi-randomised trials of diet or exercise or both, among women during the postpartum period.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Results are presented using relative risk for categorical data and weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous data. Data were analysed with a fixed-effect model. A random-effects model was used in the presence of heterogeneity.

MAIN RESULTS

Six trials involving 245 women were included. Women who exercised did not lose significantly more weight than women in the usual care group (one trial; n = 33; WMD 0.00 kg; 95% confidence interval (CI) -8.63 to 8.63). Women who took part in a diet (one trial; n = 45; WMD -1.70 kg; 95% CI -2.08 to -1.32), or diet plus exercise programme (four trials; n = 169; WMD -2.89 kg; 95% CI -4.83 to -0.95), lost significantly more weight than women in the usual care. There was no difference in the magnitude of weight loss between diet and diet plus exercise group (one trial; n = 43; WMD 0.30 kg; 95% CI -0.60 to 0.66). The interventions seemed not to affect breastfeeding performance adversely.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary evidence from this review suggests that dieting and exercise together appear to be more effective than diet alone at helping women to lose weight after childbirth, because the former improves maternal cardiorespiratory fitness level and preserves fat-free mass, while diet alone reduces fat-free mass. For women who are breastfeeding, more evidence is required to confirm whether diet or exercise, or both, is not detrimental for either mother or baby. Due to insufficient available data, additional research, with larger sample size, is needed to confirm the results.