The effects of physical activity and physical activity plus diet interventions on body weight in overweight or obese women who are pregnant or in postpartum: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Objective To review the effectiveness of physical activity (PA) and PA plus diet interventions in managing weight among overweight or obese (OW/OB) pregnant or postpartum women. Methods Four databases were searched for randomized controlled studies published between January 2000 and December 2011 that reported weight change outcomes of PA interventions in OW/OB pregnant or postpartum women. PA alone as well as PA plus diet interventions were included. Results Of 681 abstracts identified, 11 were included (7 trials with pregnant women and 4 trials with postpartum women). Overall, we found that PA interventions were effective for OW/OB pregnant as well as postpartum women. On average, pregnant women in the intervention groups gained 0.91 kg less (95% CI: −1.76, −0.06) compared to those in the usual care groups. Postpartum women in the intervention groups significantly lost more body weight (−1.22 kg; 95% CI: −1.89, −0.56) than those in the control groups. In the subgroup analyses by PA intervention types, supervised PA plus diet interventions were the most effective. Conclusions PA plus diet interventions may require more than advice; supervised PA programs or personalized prescription/goals are needed to prevent excessive weight gain for OW/OB pregnant women and excessive weight retention for OW/OB postpartum women.

Physical Exercise During Pregnancy – How Active Are Pregnant Women in Germany and How Well Informed?

“…There is however only a limited number of substantively very heterogenous controlled trials on the actual influences of exercise on maternal and fetal health. In a metaanalysis of 11 clinical studies Choi et al described significant effects of exercise and nutrition on gestation-associated weight gain in overweight and obese pregnant women [12]. The prevalence of gestational diabetes in particular is higher among physically inactive and overweight women, and this is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality and birth-related complications [2,13,14].…”

The Effect of Aerobic Exercises on Maternal Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…Appropriate fetal growth is highly important during preg-nancy, since any abnormal increase or decrease in fetal growth might be accompanied by death or considerable delivery complications (16). American gynecological and obstetrical society suggested the safety of physical activity during pregnancy and that females who were physically prepared could continue doing appropriate physical activities during pregnancy (16,17). Also, the society of obstetricians and gynecologists of Canada and the Canadian society for exercise physiology stated that the pregnant females who had no limitations to do physical activities should be encouraged to do stretching exercises as a part of a healthy lifestyle (18).…”

A Comparison of Nutrition and Physical Activity Behaviors in Pregnant Women with Normal and Overweight Pre-Pregnancy BMI

“…The combination of dietary counseling and administration of healthy food products has the potential to promote a healthy weight gain if continued throughout the pregnancy. Volume 5 Issue 3 -2016 Another approach to promoting healthy weight gain during pregnancy is to provide physical activity or physical activity combined with nutrition counseling [9]. Pregnant women who discuss exercise with their obstetricians are more likely to take part in regular exercise, which can lead to decreased gestational weight gain, better muscle tone, lower resting heart rate in baby, leaner children that perform better in academics and athletics compared to non-exercising counterparts [10].…”