Maternal preconception BMI and gestational weight gain are associated with weight retention and maternal and child body fat at 6-7 years postpartum in the PRECONCEPT cohort

• Authors: Melissa Young, Emory University; Phuong Hong Nguyen, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI); Lan Mai Tran, Emory University; Long Quynh Khuong, Hanoi School of Public Health; Sara Hendrix, Emory University; Reynaldo Martorell, Emory University; Usha Ramakrishnan, Emory University
• Journal Title: FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
• Volume: Volume 10
• Publisher: FRONTIERS MEDIA SA | 2023-05-26, Pages 1114815-1114815
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1114815
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Pharmacy
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Nutrition & Dietetics; maternal nutrition; BMI; gestational weight gain; body composition; child body composition; postpartum weight retention; RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-TRIAL; MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION; METABOLIC SYNDROME; DIABETES-MELLITUS; BIRTH OUTCOMES; DOUBLE BURDEN; MASS INDEX; FOLIC-ACID; PREGNANCY; NUTRITION

Abstract

Background: There is limited evidence from prospective cohorts in low-resource settings on the long-term impact of pre-pregnancy body mass index (PPBMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on postpartum weight retention (PPWR) and maternal and child body composition. Objectives: We examined the associations between PPBMI and timing of GWG on PPWR at 1, 2, and 6–7 years and maternal and child percent body fat at 6–7 years. Methods: We used data from the PRECONCEPT study (NCT01665378) that included prospectively collected data on 864 mother–child pairs from preconception through 6–7 years postpartum. The key outcomes were PPWR at 1, 2, and 6–7 years, and maternal and child percent body fat at 6–7 years that was measured using bioelectric impedance. Maternal conditional GWG (CGWG) was defined as window-specific weight gains (< 20wk, 21-29wk, and ≥ 30wk), uncorrelated with PPBMI and all prior body weights. PPBMI and CGWG were calculated as standardized z-scores to allow for relative comparisons of a 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in weight gain for each window. We used multivariable linear regressions to examine the associations, adjusting for baseline demographic characteristics, intervention, breastfeeding practices, diet and physical activity. Results: Mean (SD) PPBMI and GWG were 19.7 (2.1) kg/m2 and 10.2 (4.0) kg, respectively. Average PPWR at 1, 2, and 6–7 years was 1.1, 1.5 and 4.3 kg, respectively. A one SD increase in PPBMI was associated with a decrease in PPWR at 1 year (β [95% CI]: −0.21 [−0.37, −0.04]) and 2 years (−0.20 [−0.39, −0.01]); while a one SD in total CGWG was associated with an increase in PPWR at 1 year (1.01 [0.85,1.18]), 2 years (0.95 [0.76, 1.15]) and 6–7 years (1.05 [0.76, 1.34]). Early CGWG (< 20 weeks) had the greatest association with PPWR at each time point as well as with maternal (0.67 [0.07, 0.87]) and child (0.42 [0.15, 0.69]) percent body fat at 6–7 years. Conclusion: Maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy may have long-term implications for PPWR and body composition. Interventions should consider targeting women preconception and early in pregnancy to optimize maternal and child health outcomes.