Abstract:
Postnatal weight retention is a risk factor for the development of midlife obesity. Since dietary
intake and breastfeeding practice could be promoters of weight loss during postpartum, the
objective of this study was to investigate their influence on weight retention during six months
postpartum. The study sample consisted of 83 lactating women who were examined at three
measurement waves: at 1 month ±1 week, 3 months ±1 week and 6 months ±1 week postpartum.
At each measurement wave, two consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls were collected, and body
weight measurements were made. They had a daily energy intake lower by about 25% than
recommended.
Although continuously decreased energy and macro-nutrient intake, they had energy intake higher
by 205 kcal (p=0.048) and 370 kcal (p<0.001) after one and three months, respectively. At six
months postpartum they had a higher intake of fat (p=0.036) but a lower intake of protein
(p=0.009). After six months, those women retained 101.9% of pre-pregnancy weight. Multiple
regression analysis showed that weight retention was predicted by: type of feeding (b=–0.281;
p<0.001), and time since parturition (b=–0.151; p<0.001), while gestational weight gain
(b=0.491; p<0.001), energy intake (b=0.157; p<0.001) and energy derived from fat (b=0.122;
p=0.035) were positive predictors. We concluded that the dietary intake of these women and
breastfeeding practice over six months significantly influence their weight loss.
