1. Introduction
obesity, −2.7, gestational diabetes, ’, macrosomia, Weight loss, congenital anomalies, weight gain, overweight or obesity, 3rd-trimester, weight loss
OBESITY, GESTATIONAL DIABETES, HYPERTENSIVE DISORDER, COMPLICATIONS, PREECLAMPSIA
Preconception obesity is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and deprivation. The postnatal period provides an opportunity for preconception intervention. There is a lack of published postnatal behaviour and weight data to inform intervention needs. Secondary analysis of the GLOWING study explored postnatal diet, physical activity (PA) and weight among women living with obesity in deprivation. Thirty-nine women completed food frequency and PA questionnaires and provided weight measurement(s) between 3–12 months postnatal. Women’s diet and PA fell short of national guidelines, especially for fruit/vegetables (median 1.6–2.0 portions/day) and oily fish (0–4 g/day). PA was predominantly light intensity. Patterns in weight change across time points indicated postnatal weight loss compared with 1st (median −0.8 to −2.3 kg) and 3rd-trimester weights (−9.0 to −11.6 kg). Weight loss was higher among women without excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) (−2.7 to −9.7 kg) than those with excessive GWG (2.3 to −1.8 kg), resulting in postnatal weight measurements lower than their 1st trimester. These pilot data suggest preconception interventions should commence in pregnancy with a focus on GWG, and postnatal women need early support to achieve guideline-recommendations for diet and PA. Further research in a larger population could inform preconception intervention strategies to tackle inequalities in maternal obesity and subsequent pregnancy outcomes.The association between pre-pregnancy obesity and adverse maternal and infant health outcomes in pregnancy and throughout the life course is well-established, highlighting the need for preconception weight management support. Complications include hypertensive disorders (e.g., preeclampsia), gestational diabetes, caesarean deliveries, stillbirth, maternal mortality, congenital anomalies, and macrosomia [Supporting women with weight management in the postnatal period is an opportunity for preconception intervention for subsequent pregnancies—the inter-pregnancy period. A recent systematic review showed that, for women with overweight or obesity, interpregnancy weight loss decreased the risk of caesarean delivery, gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders in subsequent pregnancies [Despite the existence of guidelines, there are no published data reporting patterns of postnatal PA, diet, and weight change in women with obesity in the UK or globally. A 2015 systematic review, not restricted to women with obesity [Gaining a better understanding of women’s dietary and PA behaviours’ and weight change during the postnatal period would highlight areas where women might benefit from additional intervention and support to improve their overall health and contribute to healthy weight management. This study aimed to explore the patterns of diet PA behaviours, and weight change among postnatal women living with obesity in a highly deprived region of the UK.