Supporting women of childbearing age in the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity: a scoping review of randomized control trials of behavioral interventions

Abstract

Background: Women of childbearing age are vulnerable to weight gain. This scoping review examines the extent and range of research undertaken to evaluate behavioral interventions to support women of childbearing age to prevent and treat overweight and obesity. Methods: Eight electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) or systematic reviews of RCTs until 31st January 2018. Eligible studies included women of childbearing age (aged 15-44 years), evaluated interventions promoting behavior change related to diet or physical activity to achieve weight gain prevention, weight loss or maintenance and reported weight-related outcomes.Results: Ninety studies met the inclusion criteria (87 RCTs, 3 systematic reviews). Included studies were published from 1998 to 2018. The studies primarily focused on preventing excessive gestational weight gain (n = 46 RCTs, n = 2 systematic reviews), preventing postpartum weight retention (n = 18 RCTs) or a combination of the two (n = 14 RCTs, n = 1 systematic review). The RCTs predominantly evaluated interventions that aimed to change both diet and physical activity behaviors (n = 84) and were delivered in-person (n = 85). Conclusions: This scoping review identified an increasing volume of research over time undertaken to support women of childbearing age to prevent and treat overweight and obesity. It highlights, however, that little research is being undertaken to support the young adult female population unrelated to pregnancy or preconception.

Does prepregnancy weight change have an effect on subsequent pregnancy health outcomes? A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Given that most women are recommended or want to lose postpartum weight before their next pregnancy, [6][7][8] this finding illustrates the need to understand therefore, nulliparous women are not included. 85 We most often see the inclusion of nulliparous women in infertility weight management interventions. 86,87 However, women who are not seeking fertility treatment may also require weight management support.…”

Which Diets Are Effective in Reducing Cardiovascular and Cancer Risk in Women with Obesity? An Integrative Review

“…Most studies have assessed women with obesity during their reproductive period, including pregnancy. During this period, a healthy and balanced diet, associated with nutritional education provided by a nutritionist/dietitian, has been shown to be crucial to prevent excessive weight gain and postpartum weight retention in women [ 117 , 118 , 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 ]. It also is a protective factor for the occurrence of gestational diabetes and hypertension, and pre-eclampsia [ 119 , 123 ].…”

Comparison of time-matched aerobic, resistance or combined exercise training in women living with obesity: a protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial—the EXOFFIT (Exercise for Obesity in Females to increase Fitness) study

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