title: The association between gestational weight gain and substantial weight retention 1-year postpartum.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Postpartum weight retention contributes to obesity development of women in their reproductive age. The studies about the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and substantial weight retention are lacking. This study examined the association between GWG and substantial postpartum weight retention (SPPWR).
  
  
  METHODS
  The participants (n = 1,122) in the study were healthy, mature and fed their infants whose ages were 3, 6, 9, 12 months (2010-2012), respectively. They self-reported their socio-demographic, clinical prenatal and behaviors characteristics via questionnaires. We collected their weight data including pre-pregnancy and prior to delivery, as well as weight at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postpartum. The major outcomes included weight retention and substantial weight gain 1 year postpartum.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 1,122 women, the median weight retention was 3.0 (IQR = 5.5) kg 12 months postpartum. 35.7 % of them reported substantial weight retention (≥4.55 kg). GWG categories were established as follows: inadequate weight gain (n = 366, 33 %), adequate weight gain (n = 596, 53 %), and excessive weight gain (n = 160, 14 %). Adjusted odds ratios of SPPWR were 0.59 (95 % CI 0.43, 0.81) for inadequate weight gain and 4.05 (95 % CI 2.75, 5.95) for excessive weight gain versus adequate weight gain (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Excessive GWG would increase the risk of substantial weight retention 1-year postpartum. The interventions to prevent postpartum obesity should consider the strategies how to attain optimal maternal GWG.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Mei Shan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China, hexiujieahmu@163.com.
authors.forename: Xiujie
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Chuanlai
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Liang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Qiuwei
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Fengyun
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Qin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D015430:Weight Gain