Correlation between change in body weight and lifestyle behavior before and after childbirth

Abstract

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between changes in body weight and lifestyle behavior before and after pregnancy.
Methods : The study population was 180 women who had visited a local health center to bring their children for a health check-up (18 months or 3 years old) in “A” town, Chiba Prefecture in Japan. A questionnaire including change in body weight and lifestyle behavior was distributed to the mothers.
Results : Among 92 respondents (51.0%), 67 mothers completed the study requirements. The mean age (y) and BMI (kg/m²) were 32.4 and 20.7, respectively. Although body weight did not significantly change during the period from 18 years old to pre-pregnancy, there was a significant increase 1.83 kg during the period from pre-pregnancy to the current survey time. However, 13.4% of the mothers retained their underweight status or were newly categorized as underweight. Weight gain was correlated with increase in their food intake reflected by regular eating and reducing the number of cigarettes, and weight loss was correlated with decrease in their food intake reflected by irregular eating and increasing the number of cigarettes.
Conclusion : Study results showed that women who were in the life stages of pregnancy, childbirth and child care, have health related problems not only related to becoming obese but also to becoming underweight. Lifestyle behaviors such as eating habits and smoking seem to be correlated with body weight changes. Health promotion strategies not only for children but also for their mothers will be needed.