Weight retention predictors for Taiwanese women at six-month postpartum.

The purpose of this study was to identify factors potentially associated with weight retention measured 6 months after childbirth. A descriptive correlative design was used to systematically women who had given birth at a medical center located in northern Taiwan. Questionnaires were mailed to 810 subjects and a total of 602 valid questionnaires were collected, representing a response rate of 74.32%. The results of this study included: The average body mass index (BMI) was 21.5 (SD = 3.32) at pre-pregnancy, and 22.48 (SD = 3.39) at 6 months after childbirth. Average weight retention was 2.42 kg. Overweight and obese conditions increased among subjects from 18.27% pre-pregnancy to 27.57% at 6 months after childbirth. Significant predictors of weight retention identified in this study included gestational weight gain (GWG), perceived body image satisfaction, and pre-pregnancy weight, which, together, explained 34.5% of postpartum weight retention variance. Determinant factors identified by the analysis highlight the need for bodyweight management intervention during pregnancy as well as through the first 6-month postpartum as a way to reduce obesity and the incidence of obesity-related diseases.