A Quasi‑Experiment of Self‑Weight Combined with Dietary and Physical Activity to Reduce Postpartum Weight Retention

Abstract

Background: The failure to lose postpartum weight retention (PPWR) can impact obesity in later life, making programs aimed at reducing PPWR crucial. The study aimed to assess the effect of a self‑weight approach combined with dietary and physical activity interventions to reduce PPWR. Materials and Methods: This quasi‑experimental study employed a three‑group, pretest–posttest design. The study recruited 178 postpartum mothers who attended a 6‑week postpartum check‑up at a university hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 2018 to 2020. Data was collected using a self‑administered questionnaire. The intervention groups received dietary counseling combined with self‑weighting (D) and diet and physical activity counseling combined with self‑weighting (DP), while the control group received standard care. Analysis of covariance was used for data analysis, with pre‑pregnancy weight as the covariance. Results: PPWR was 3.39 kg for the D group, 3.20 kg for the DP group, and 4.14 kg for the control group (F (2,174) =1.91, p > 0.05). At 6 months postpartum, on comparing self‑weighting and non‑self‑weighting groups, it was found that PPWR was 2.88 and 3.99 kg for the self‑weighting and non‑self‑weighting groups, respectively (t 176= ‑2.28, p = 0.024). Conclusions: The study results indicated that dietary or combined dietary and physical activity counseling for postpartum mothers is necessary. For optimal success, postpartum mothers should be encouraged to undertake daily or weekly self‑weighing to reduce PPWR.