Postpartum Weight Retention Risk Factors in a Taiwanese Cohort Study

Abstract

Objective: Excess postpartum weight retention (PPWR) is related to long-term weight gain. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the risk factors for PPWR to provide guidance for preventive strategies. Methods: This cohort study surveyed 461 women who gave birth at a medical center between March 2014 and March 2016. The participants completed a questionnaire within 1 month of delivery, and their 6-month postpartum weight was tracked. Results: The results showed that the mean pre-pregnancy BMI was 21.4 ± 3.3 kg/m², and the mean gestational weight gain (GWG) was 12.8 ± 4.1 kg. The mean PPWR was 4.6 ± 3.5 kg at 1 month and 2.1 ± 3.3 kg at 6 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that GWG (adjusted OR: 1.92 (1.70-2.17)), pre-pregnancy BMI (adjusted OR: 0.85 (0.77-0.94)), and exclusive breastfeeding (adjusted OR: 0.55 (0.32-0.94)) were significantly correlated with a 1-month PPWR higher than the median value. In addition, GWG (adjusted OR: 1.30 (1.22-1.39)) and exclusive breastfeeding (adjusted OR: 0.37 (0.24-0.58)) were significantly correlated with a 6-month PPWR higher than the median value. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the key to reducing PPWR is to control GWG and engage in exclusive breastfeeding.