Postpartum Weight Retention: A Retrospective Data Analysis Measuring Weight Loss and Program Engagement with a Mobile Health Program

Abstract

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) technology can circumvent barriers to participation in weight loss programs faced by new mothers. The objective of this study was to assess weight change and program engagement in postpartum women (n = 130) participating in a 24-week behavior change mHealth weight-loss intervention. Materials and Methods: Participants were recruited through a program offered on a commercial mHealth application that provided evidence-based lifestyle interventions. To meet inclusion criteria, women had to be 18-45 years of age, and given birth within 2 years before the start of the study. Participants signed up for the Noom Healthy Weight program between January and March of 2019 and were offered the program free of charge. Linear mixed models were conducted; the primary outcome was weight change from baseline at 16 and 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were program engagement and their relationship with completion status. Results: Results showed that time was a significant predictor of weight at week 16 [t(-3.94) =-9.40; p < 0.001] and week 24 [t(-4.08) =-9.74; p < 0.001]; users lost 3.94 kgs at week 16 and 4.08 kgs at week 24, compared with baseline. In addition, body mass index significantly decreased at week 24 [t(112) = 7.33, p < 0.0001] with the majority of participants (80%) experiencing reductions by more than 2 units. On average, subjects who completed the program (completers) lost more weight compared with those who did not complete the program [t(-5.09) =-2.94; p = 0.004], losing 5.09 kgs (95% CI-8.48 to-1.69) throughout the 24 weeks. Conclusion: This cohort study shows that a uniquely mobile, behavior change intervention for weight management is effective at producing significant weight loss with potential to address postpartum weight retention.

Role of telemedicine in the management of obesity: State‐of‐the‐art review

“…This platform included both one‐on‐one and group messaging alongside daily challenges, educational material, and meal tracking. The study yielded positive results with a significant decrease in BMI [ t (112) = 7.33, p < 0.0001] at week 24 for the majority of the participants 24 . Another study that used text messaging also resulted in a significant decrease in various parameters, including weight, BMI, and fat percentage 25 …”

“…In a randomized controlled trial by Hesseldaal et al, 23 the majority of the participants. 24 Another study that used text messaging also resulted in a significant decrease in various parameters, including weight, BMI, and fat percentage. 25 F I G U R E 3 Advantages of telemedicine.…”

The Relationship between Fetal Abdominal Wall Thickness and Intrapartum Complications amongst Mothers with Pregestational Type 2 Diabetes

“…In modern maternity care, strategies regarding appropriate weight gain and postpartum weight loss are counselled and managed at the individual patient level, although this study highlights the importance of considering broader public health policies to improve BMI amongst reproductive age women and particularly those with comorbidities such as diabetes [41][42][43]. With evidence that adherence to a Mediterranean diet during COVID-19 is protective against gestational diabetes during the pandemic and other virtual weight loss technologies are effective at supporting postpartum weight loss, these tools offer innovative solutions for mothers of young children and newborns, even through times of physical distancing and pandemic quarantines [44][45][46]. At a minimum, achievement of a healthy BMI for women with pregestational diabetes specifically will reduce diabetes-related morbidity in addition to improving perinatal outcomes by reducing intrapartum complications [39,42,43].…”

The Relationship of Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index with Maternal Anthropometric Indices, Weight Retention and the Baby's Weight and Nutrition in the First 6 Months Post-partum

“…The most basic index for obesity is the body mass index (BMI), which is accepted by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Institute of Medicine (IOM) as a measure of obesity (4). Since 1990, the IOM has provided recommendations regarding GWG based on pre-pregnancy body mass index (PPBMI) in order to optimize fetal growth and postpartum outcomes, and these recommendations were revised in 2009 (4)(5). Based on PPBMI, women are divided into four categories, namely: Underweight (less than 18.4), Normal (18.5 to 24.9), Overweight (25 to 29.9) and Obese (more than 30).…”