Weight Loss Attempts During Pregnancy
Author Information
Author(s): Cohen Jennifer H. PhD, MPH, Kim Hyoshin PhD
Primary Institution: Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation
Hypothesis
What sociodemographic and health characteristics are associated with pregnant women attempting to lose weight?
Conclusion
A substantial proportion of pregnant women attempt to lose weight, highlighting the need for counseling on maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy.
Supporting Evidence
- 8.1% of pregnant women reported attempting to lose weight.
- Attempting to lose weight was associated with being older than 34, Hispanic ethnicity, obesity, alcohol consumption, and mental distress.
- Women with lower education levels and household incomes were more likely to attempt weight loss.
Takeaway
Many pregnant women try to lose weight, which can be risky for both them and their babies. It's important for doctors to help women stay healthy during pregnancy instead.
Methodology
The study used aggregated data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 1996-2003 to assess weight loss attempts among pregnant women.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may lead to overreporting of height and underreporting of weight.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, relies on self-reported data, and lacks information on gestational age and specific weight-loss methods.
Participant Demographics
Participants were pregnant women aged 18-44, with a majority being younger than 35, white, married, and having at least a high school education.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 7.0%-9.2%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website