Possible explanations for excess weight gains in pregnancy: an animal model

An animal study was designed to address the reasons for excess pregnancy-associated weight gains. Forty-eight adult female rats were divided into two diet groups: a bland chow group and a chow plus glucose solution group. Half of each group was impregnated. Body weight, consumption of both foods, and water consumption were measured daily before, during, and after pregnancy. During pregnancy and after delivery, animals from each food-by-pregnancy group were killed, and adipose tissue analyses were performed. During pregnancy and during lactation, pregnant rats with two foods consumed more glucose solution and gained more adipose tissue with larger cells than did any other group. Taking both studies together, pregnancy is accompanied by sweet food consumption increases and can lead to adipose tissue gains in subjects not influenced by psychological variables.