Study Finds Excessive Weight Gain, Inadequate Postpartum Weight Loss Among Low-Income, Minority Women

Study Finds Excessive Weight Gain, Inadequate Postpartum Weight Loss Among Low-Income, Minority Women > Yale School of Public Health | Yale School of Public Health

A new study by the Yale School of Public Health finds that excessive weight gain during pregnancy and inadequate postpartum weight loss are particularly prevalent among low-income, ethnic minority women. 

Such patterns have important public health implications, including reduced growth for the fetus, greater likelihood of preterm delivery and injury during birth. Mothers who retain weight after giving birth are more likely than their peers to develop a range of serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes.

The study followed 427 women (ranging in age from 14 to 25 years old) during their pregnancy through to 12 months postpartum. The researchers found that 62 percent of the women— particularly those who were already overweight or obese—exceeded the maximum recommended weight gain. Only 22 percent of the women gained weight within recommended guidelines.