title: Active Mothers Postpartum: a randomized controlled weight-loss intervention trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pregnancy may contribute to overweight and obesity.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The primary objective of Active Mothers Postpartum was to promote a reduction in BMI through 24-months postpartum via sustainable lifestyle changes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Behavioral intervention RCT to enhance postpartum weight loss.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 450 overweight or obese women, enrolled 6-weeks postpartum, were recruited through obstetrics clinics and community posters in the Durham NC area.
  
  
  METHODS
  Intervention participants were offered eight healthy-eating classes, ten physical-activity classes, and six telephone-counseling sessions over 9 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  Changes from baseline (6-weeks postpartum) to 1-month post-intervention (12-months postpartum) in: (1) diet (caloric intake, calories from fat, intake of certain foods); (2) physical activity (self-reported physical activity, television time); and (3) weight (collected 2004-2007, analyzed 2007-2008).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean weight loss was 0.90 kg (+/-5.1 kg) in the intervention group and 0.36 kg (+/-4.9 kg) in the control group; this difference was not significant. There were also no significant group differences in improvement of diet or increased physical activity. In secondary analyses, there was a positive bivariate relationship between classes attended and weight loss (p=0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There were no significant differences among the arms in diet, physical activity, or weight change. Home-based interventions via mail, telephone, or Internet/e-mail may be more feasible and successful in this population. The postpartum period is an important phase in women's lives with regard to weight retention, but engaging them during this busy period remains a challenge.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  NCT00212251.
authors: Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. truls.ostbye@duke.edu
authors: Truls
authors: T
authors: Østbye
authors: Katrina M
authors: KM
authors: Krause
authors: Cheryl A
authors: CA
authors: Lovelady
authors: Miriam C
authors: MC
authors: Morey
authors: Lori A
authors: LA
authors: Bastian
authors: Bercedis L
authors: BL
authors: Peterson
authors: Geeta K
authors: GK
authors: Swamy
authors: Rebecca J N
authors: RJ
authors: Brouwer
authors: Colleen M
authors: CM
authors: McBride
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain; D015431:Weight Loss