Parity-associated weight gain and its modification by sociodemographic and behavioral factors: a prospective analysis in US women.
OBJECTIVE
To examine how the relationship between parity increase and weight gain is modified by sociodemographic and behavioral factors.


METHODS
Prospective longitudinal data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I, 1971-75) and its follow-up of those aged 25 y and older, the NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Survey (NHEFS, 1982-84).


METHODS
The analytical sample was nationally representative of the United States and included 2952 white or African-American non-pregnant women aged 25-45 y at baseline, who were re-measured approximately 10 y later.


METHODS
Statistical interactions in multiple linear and logistic regression models were examined to identify how eight sociodemographic and three behavioral factors modified the effect of parity increase on body weight change and risk of substantial weight gain.


RESULTS
Factors that increased parity-associated weight gain included being African-American, living in a rural area, not working outside the home, having fewer children, lower income and lower education, and being unmarried. Among white women, being younger and having higher body weight at baseline increased parity-associated weight gain, while among African-American women, being older and having lower body weight increased parity-associated weight gain. African-American smokers gained less weight with an increase in parity, while the interactions between smoking and physical activity with parity-associated weight gain in whites were complex.


CONCLUSIONS
The effects of sociodemographic and behavioral factors on parity-associated weight gain varied by race and parity change, with the most consistent findings being that unmarried and unemployed white women had greater parity-associated weight gain, while both white and African-American women who smoked, had higher education, or higher parity had lower parity-associated weight gain. This information may contribute to better targeting and more effective interventions to prevent postpartum weight retention.
Wolfe
W S
WS
Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Sobal
J
J
Olson
C M
CM
Frongillo
E A
EA
Williamson
D F
DF
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D010298:Parity / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012907:Smoking; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology*; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data