Diets most effective at promoting healthy weight gain during pregnancy: Study

Pregnant women may get more help from certified dietitians in limiting weight gain during pregnancy, according to a study of more than 100 research papers. A meta-analysis of nearly 35,000 individuals from 99 studies published in JAMA Network Open showed that interventions from allied health professionals such as dietitians were most beneficial for the management of gestational weight gain (GWG).

Based on 30 years of international evidence, the research team, including maternal health expert Professor Shakeela Thangarattinam from the University of Birmingham, identified that 6 to 20 sessions on a one-to-one basis were most effective. Those sessions need to consider the practical elements of pregnancy including nausea that can affect food and vegetable consumption, as well as cravings and fatigue.

The team also found little evidence for the exercise component of weight management during pregnancy and the need to include exercise over 20 weeks in a plan to manage weight gain.

cre trending stories

Also Read: Exclusive: Itchy Skin? Experts suggest ways to avoid skin irritation this monsoon

Professor Shakeela Thangarattinam, Dame Hilda Lloyd Chair of Maternal and Perinatal Health at the University of Birmingham and co-author of the paper, said: “Weight gain during pregnancy is a normal process but the old adage that expectant mothers are ‘eating for two’ And there is no need to worry about whether weight gain can adversely affect the health of the mother and the baby.We know that excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk of diabetes and other complications.

“This study draws on 30 years of evidence on what works well and what doesn’t, and we found that experts in their fields, such as dietitians, were most effective in helping to achieve healthy weight gain. Other interventions Some success was also found but it is necessary that the journey of pregnancy should be started early.”

Cherise L. Harrison, BBNSc, PhD, senior research fellow and co-leader of the Healthy Lifestyles Stream at Monash University in the Monash Center for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues said:

“In a secondary analysis of our 2022 systematic review reporting on the association of lifestyle interventions with efficacy in optimizing gestational weight gain, this meta-analysis aimed to clarify and describe the components of prenatal lifestyle interventions that are associated with optimized gestational weight gain within published randomized clinical trials provide important and practical information for the implementation of trials in antenatal care settings.”