Dietary changes during a successful weight loss trial in postpartum women (LB314)

Abstract

Dietary strategies that facilitate weight loss following pregnancy are poorly examined. Our aim was to examine dietary changes during a weight loss intervention in 61 overweight and obese postpartum Swedish women randomized to a 12‐wk dietary (D), exercise (E), combined (DE) or control (C) treatment at 10‐14 wk postpartum. A 4‐d weighed diet record was conducted at baseline, post intervention (12‐wk) and 9 mo later (1‐y). Differences in dietary intake between women receiving Dietary treatment (D+DE, D‐groups) and No Dietary treatment (E+C, ND‐groups) were examined using linear regression. The D‐groups achieved a 1‐y weight loss of 10%. At baseline, 21% had an intake of 500g fruit and vegetables/d while sweets and salty snacks contributed to 20% of total energy intake (E%). At 12‐wk, D‐groups had reduced their intake of sweets and salty snacks, caloric drinks and increased their intake of vegetables more than did ND‐groups (all p<0.01). Further, 45% of the D‐groups and 17% of the ND‐groups demonstrated an intake of 500g fruit and vegetables/d (p<0.05) while sweets and salty snacks contributed to 8 vs 21 E% (p<0.01). At 1‐y, D‐groups had maintained an increased intake of vegetables compared to ND‐groups (p<0.05). Reduced intake of sweets and salty snacks and increased intake of vegetables were distinct dietary changes among women receiving dietary treatment and achieving sustainable weight loss following pregnancy.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the Swedish Research Council and the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare.