Awareness, Beliefs and Perspectives Regarding Weight Retention and Weight Gain among Postpartum Women in India: A Thematic Analysis of Focus Group Discussions and In-Depth Interviews

Abstract

Background and Aims The pregnancy weight is usually retained in the form of abdominal fat during the postpartum period. The willingness to lose weight is influenced by knowledge, attitude, beliefs and practices. This study aims to comprehend the awareness, beliefs and perspectives of postpartum women regarding their perceived factors, barriers and facilitators associated with post-pregnancy weight status. Methods Overweight and obese postpartum women aged between 20 and 40 years and had delivered an infant in the last 2 years were recruited via convenience and purposive sampling techniques. The final sample comprised 27 participants with a mean age of 29.96 ± 4.50 years. Four focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews carried out were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Codes, sub-themes and themes were generated using Atlas.ti 9 software. Results Major themes identified were perceived factors causing postpartum weight retention/weight gain including social and cultural beliefs related to diet and exercise specifically associated with this period, perceived motivators and deterrents of weight loss including eagerness to lose weight and perceived facilitators and barriers to weight loss including intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as time, energy, evidence-based knowledge about diet and physical activity, family support and obligation to family’s advice. Conclusion The unique challenges and barriers associated with postpartum weight loss efforts should be taken into consideration by healthcare professionals and public health policy-makers to design strategies specific to postpartum women. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13224-022-01644-9.

Evidence and consensus-based clinical practice guideline for the management of obesity and overweight in postpartum women: An AIIMS-DST initiative

“…[ 40 ] In conclusion, studies have assessed knowledge about diet and physical activity after delivery along with due focus to misconceptions and myths. [ 12 41 42 ]…”

“…This subsequently affects the readiness of postpartum women to engage in any weight management program. [ 12 ] Hence, it is important to identify healthcare providers who would counsel these women. Ideally, it could be a team comprising a physician and/or a gynaecologist, a dietitian/nutritionist for medical nutrition therapy, a physical therapist for exercise and a psychotherapist to address psychological barriers and suggest coping strategies.…”

“…An exploratory study comprising focus group discussions and in-depth interviews has been conducted among postpartum women to identify the gaps, needs and priorities of weight management among these women. [ 12 ] A questionnaire was designed to survey a larger group of postpartum women to assess the risk factors, facilitators and barriers to postpartum weight management. [ 13 ] The clinical areas of interest were identified and translated into the key clinical questions.…”

“…[ 11 ] Postpartum women also report that they do not receive any counselling related to diet and physical activity specific to the postpartum period and hence, lack the knowledge and information about the diet and physical activity regime to be followed. [ 12 ]…”

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Weight Management in Postpartum Women: An AIIMS-DST Initiative in Association with FOGSI

“…The Government of India along with Department of Science and Technology, The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, Indian Menopause Society, Association of Physicians of India, Academy of Family Physicians of India, Association of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Delhi, Indian Dietetic Association and The Indian Society of Clinical Nutrition has attempted to form guidelines for this problem [8].…”