Obstet Gynecol

Objective To test the feasibility and effectiveness of a web-based lifestyle intervention based on the Diabetes Prevention Program modified for women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to reduce postpartum weight retention. Methods We randomly allocated 75 women with recent GDM to either a web-based lifestyle program (Balance after Baby) delivered over the first postpartum year or to a control group. Primary outcomes were change in body weight at 12 months from 1) first postpartum measured weight, and 2) self-reported prepregnancy weight. Results There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between groups including age, BMI, race and income status. Women assigned to the Balance after Baby program (n=36, 3 lost to follow-up) lost a mean of 2.8 kgs (95% CI −4.8 to −0.7) from 6 weeks to 12 months postpartum while the control group (n=39, 1 lost to follow-up) gained a mean of 0.5 kgs (−1.4 to +2.4) (p=0.022). Women in the intervention were closer to prepregnancy weight at 12 months postpartum (mean change −0.7 kgs; −3.5 to +2.2), compared to women in the control arm (+4.0 kgs; +1.3 to +6.8) (p=0.035). Conclusion A web-based lifestyle modification program for women with recent GDM decreased postpartum weight retention.

25162257

PMC4401073

CDC Public Access