Maternal BMI changes from the prepregnancy to postpartum period are associated with postpartum cardiometabolic risk factors: a longitudinal study

PurposeThis study aimed at investigating the associations between the total body mass index (BMI) change at 3 or 4 years postpartum compared to the prepregnancy and cardiometabolic risk factors.MethodsThis longitudinal study included 1305 participants. Based on the total postpartum BMI changes, they were divided into < 0 units, 0-1.7 units, and > 1.7 units groups using the interquartile range. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the associations.ResultsCompared to the reference group, there was a progressive increase in the & beta;coefficient (& beta;coef) of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of cardiometabolic risk in the following groups: the '0-1.7 units' group with the 'overweight traj' [& beta;coef 0.33; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.22, 0.44)] or the 'obesity traj' [0.66; (0.45, 0.88)] and the '> 1.7 units' group with the 'normal traj' [0.33; (0.22, 0.44)], the 'overweight traj' [0.54; (0.41, 0.67)] or the 'obesity traj' [0.97; (0.79, 1.15)]. The same increasing trend of & beta;coef was also found in DBP, FPG, LDL, WHR, BF%. However, the '< 0 units' group with the 'low traj' [0.13; (0.06, 0.21)] and the '0-1.7 units' group with the 'low traj' [0.08; (0.03, 0.13)] had higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level than the reference group.ConclusionWomen with a postpartum BMI gain > 1.7 units are positively associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, especially for those in the 'obesity traj' or 'traj D'. Conversely, women with a postpartum BMI loss > 0 units have negative association with cardiometabolic risk factors, especially for those in the 'low traj' or 'traj B'.

Automated summary

This study examined the relationship between postpartum BMI changes and cardiometabolic risk factors. The participants were divided into different groups based on their BMI changes. The findings showed that women with a postpartum BMI gain > 1.7 units had higher cardiometabolic risk, while those with a postpartum BMI loss > 0 units had lower risk.