Risk of Gestational Diabetes Reduced By Weight Loss

Even moderate changes in pre-pregnancy weight can affect the risk of gestational diabetes among obese women, researchers from the United States have found.

Obesity is an established risk factor for gestational diabetes, but it is not known if this risk might be reduced through weight loss between pregnancies. The researchers conducted a population- based cohort study among 4,102 women with two or more singleton live births. All women were non-diabetic and obese at the birth of their first child. Weight change was calculated as the difference between prepregnancy weight for the two pregnancies.

Of the 4,102 women, 32 per cent lost weight between pregnancies, with a mean weight loss of 10.5kg. Women who lost at least 4.5kg between pregnancies had a decreased risk of gestational diabetes relative to women whose weight changed less than 4.5kg (relative risk 0.63, adjusted for age and weight gain during each pregnancy). Of the 61 per cent of women >who gained weight between pregnancies, the mean weight gain was 10kg. Women who gained at least 4.5kg had an increased risk of gestational diabetes (relative risk 1.47). The authors comment that these findings might offer further motivation for interventions aimed at reducing obesity among women of reproductive age.

Glazer NL et al (2004) Weight change and the risk of gestational diabetes in obese women. Epidemiology. 15, 6, 733-737.

Copyright RCN Publishing Company Ltd. Dec 8-Dec 14, 2004