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Active Mothers Postpartum: a randomized controlled weight-loss intervention trial
Truls Østbye1, Katrina M Krause, Cheryl A Lovelady
1Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. truls.ostbye@duke.edu
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|July 15, 2009
Summary
Postpartum weight loss interventions showed no significant differences in diet, physical activity, or BMI changes. Engaging busy mothers in lifestyle changes remains a challenge for effective weight management.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Pregnancy is a significant factor contributing to overweight and obesity in women.
- The postpartum period presents a critical window for addressing maternal weight retention.
- Engaging postpartum women in lifestyle interventions is challenging due to their busy schedules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To promote a reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI) through 24-months postpartum.
- To achieve sustainable lifestyle changes in diet and physical activity.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention for postpartum weight loss.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 450 overweight or obese women, recruited 6-weeks postpartum.
- Intervention included healthy-eating classes, physical-activity classes, and telephone-counseling over 9 months.
- Primary outcomes measured changes in diet, physical activity, and weight from baseline to 12-months postpartum.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in mean weight loss (0.90 kg vs 0.36 kg) were observed between the intervention and control groups.
- The intervention did not lead to significant improvements in diet quality or physical activity levels.
- A positive correlation was found between the number of classes attended and weight loss (p=0.01) in secondary analyses.
Conclusions:
- The studied behavioral intervention did not yield significant differences in postpartum weight, diet, or physical activity.
- Home-based interventions (mail, telephone, internet) may offer greater feasibility and success for this population.
- Effective strategies are needed to engage postpartum women in weight management during this critical life phase.
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