The effect of weight management interventions that include a diet component on weight-related outcomes in pregnant and postpartum women: a systematic review protocol.

Abstract

Review question/objective What are the effects of weight management interventions that include a diet component on weight-related outcomes in pregnant and postpartum women? The primary objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of weight management interventions which include a diet component and are aimed at limiting gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention in women. The second objective of this systematic review is to investigate included intervention components with respect to effect on weight-related outcomes. This may include, but is not limited to: length of intervention, use of face-to-face counselling, group or individual consultations, use of other interventions components including exercise, use of goals and use of support tools like food diaries, coaching , including email or text message support. Inclusion criteria Types of participants Participants of interest are pregnant or post-partum adult females (18 years and over), from all pre-pregnancy BMI categories. Women will be included if they have co-morbidities of gestational diabetes or diabetes; all other medical conditions will be excluded. Types of interventions Studies will be included if the weight management interventions include a dietary component and have an objective of determining the relationship with antenatal and/or postpartum weight change. The interventions must have been conducted across the antenatal or postpartum period, with intervention initiation at any point up to six weeks after delivery. Interventions will be compared with usual care, wait-list controls or alternative intervention component or intensity. Types of outcomes This review will consider studies that include body weight as the primary outcome, measured either during pregnancy and/or postpartum. Weight change outcomes reported as weight (kg or lb), Body Mass Index, waist or hip circumference and/or percentage body fat will be included. Adverse outcomes will be documented if reported.