Diet or exercise, or both, for weight reduction in women carrying excess weight after childbirth

Women naturally gain weight during pregnancy and many gradually lose it afterwards. Some women, though, find it difficult to lose the pregnancy-related weight during postpartum and there is concern that this may be a health risk. The retention of weight gained during pregnancy may contribute to obesity. Obesity in the general population increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. It is suggested that women who return to their prepregnancy weight by about six months have a lower risk of being overweight 10 years later. The review looked for studies to assess the impact of dieting or exercise, or both, on women's weight loss in the months after giving birth. It paid particular attention to breastfeeding women to be sure that breastfeeding was not compromised. The review of trials found six studies involving only 245 women. Preliminary findings suggest that diet combined with exercise or diet alone compared to usual care seemed to enhance weight loss during postpartum. Thus, there is potential for this to play a role in preventing future maternal obesity. However, there was insufficient evidence to be sure and a lack of sufficient data for women who are breastfeeding. In addition, it seems preferable to lose weight through a combination of dieting and exercise to dieting alone because exercise is thought to improve circulation and heart fitness, and to preserve lean body mass. Further research is needed.