Abstract
Minority and low-income women have higher rates of postpartum weight retention, contributing to increased rates of obesity in these populations. Weight perceptions may be an important factor contributing to the adoption of weight-management behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between weight perceptions and weight-related behaviors among overweight low-income women during postpartum enrolled in a weight loss intervention study. This is a cross-sectional analysis of the Fresh Start study baseline data among overweight and obese low-income women during postpartum (N = 132). General linear regression models assessed the association between weight perceptions and energy intake, energy expenditure, self-monitoring, and self-regulation. Women who perceived themselves to be very overweight had significantly lower self-regulation (β = -4.0, SE = 1.6, p = 0.014) and higher energy expenditure (β = 1.3, SE = 0.7, p = 0.05) compared to women who perceived themselves to be moderately overweight or a little overweight. There were no significant associations between weight perceptions and self-monitoring or energy intake. This study found that weight perceptions among these women are important factors to consider for weight loss. Future research should focus on investigating the impact of tailoring interventions to weight perceptions to impact engagement in weight-related behaviors in diverse low-income women during postpartum.
Highlights
There has been a significant rise in obesity among U.S women over the past decade [1]
This study found that weight perceptions among these women are important factors to consider for weight loss
Future research should focus on investigating the impact of tailoring interventions to weight perceptions to impact engagement in weight-related behaviors in diverse low-income women during postpartum
Summary
There has been a significant rise in obesity among U.S women over the past decade [1]. The childbearing years are a critical life stage for women, as excessive weight gain during pregnancy and postpartum weight retention are common, among minority women [3,4]. Increases in weight during the childbearing years places women at high risk for obesity and obesity-related diseases over their life course [8]. Weight loss among women during postpartum is critical for the prevention of obesity in later years, among low income and minority women. Minority and low-income women have higher rates of postpartum weight retention, contributing to increased rates of obesity in these populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between weight perceptions and weight-related behaviors among overweight low-income women during postpartum enrolled in a weight loss intervention study
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
