Dietary patterns in association with postpartum weight retention.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Nutrition Science
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) is a significant risk factor for obesity in women of reproductive age.
• Limited research exists on the impact of postnatal dietary habits on PPWR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between PPWR and substantial PPWR (≥4.55 kg) with two dietary patterns: the alternate Mediterranean Diet Score (aMED) and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010).

Main Methods:

• 1136 women from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II (2005-2007) self-reported weights at multiple postpartum intervals.
• Dietary patterns were assessed using a food-frequency questionnaire around 4 months postpartum.
• Statistical models (linear mixed models, GEE) were employed to analyze PPWR and substantial PPWR, adjusting for covariates.

Main Results:

• At 14 months postpartum, mean PPWR was 1.1 ± 6.7 kg, with 22.4% experiencing substantial PPWR.
• No significant association was found between PPWR or substantial PPWR and the aMED or AHEI-2010 dietary patterns.
• PPWR and substantial PPWR were significantly associated with total energy intake (0.97 kg/1000 kcal and OR 1.25/1000 kcal, respectively).

Conclusions:

• Postpartum diet quality, as measured by aMED and AHEI-2010, did not correlate with weight retention.
• Total energy intake, irrespective of dietary composition, emerged as a more critical factor in postpartum weight retention.