Ethnic differences in post-partum weight change and longer-term weight trajectories in a UK population

Women have an increased risk of weight gain during the reproductive years. Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) is a predictor of long-term obesity. Most data on weight loss after pregnancy focuses on weight loss in the first few months with some examining weight change up to 18 months and much less attention being given to the latter post-partum period beyond 18 months, which is often the pre-conceptual period for a subsequent pregnancy. Few studies have repeated weight measurements for women beyond the first few months after pregnancy, those that do have demonstrated varying trajectories of weight loss in the 1st year postpartum and that some women seem to gain weight after about 12 months postpartum. The reasons for this are unknown but are likely to be related to environmental and lifestyle factors related to caring for one or more children postpartum. Understanding weight change over the entire inter-pregnancy period, and factors related to weight trajectories, is critical to inform interventions that can help women stabilise their weight between pregnancies.