25162257

PMC4401073

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.

CDC Public Access

1000746693/Intramural CDC HHS/United States
9K24HL096141/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States
K12 HD057022/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States
K24 HL096141/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States
MM-1094-09/09/PHS HHS/United States
T32 AT000051/AT/NCCIH NIH HHS/United States
T32AT000051/AT/NCCIH NIH HHS/United States