A web-based lifestyle intervention for women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial

Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Sep;124(3):563-570. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000000420.

Abstract

Objective: To test the feasibility and effectiveness of a Web-based lifestyle intervention based on the Diabetes Prevention Program modified for women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus to reduce postpartum weight retention.

Methods: We randomly allocated 75 women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus to either a Web-based lifestyle program (Balance after Baby) delivered over the first postpartum year or to a control group. Primary outcomes were change in body weight at 12 months from 1) first postpartum measured weight; and 2) self-reported prepregnancy weight.

Results: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between groups including age, body mass index, race, and income status. Women assigned to the Balance after Baby program (n=36, three lost to follow-up) lost a mean of 2.8 kg (95% confidence interval -4.8 to -0.7) from 6 weeks to 12 months postpartum, whereas the control group (n=39, one lost to follow-up) gained a mean of 0.5 kg (-1.4 to +2.4) (P=.022). Women in the intervention were closer to prepregnancy weight at 12 months postpartum (mean change -0.7 kg; -3.5 to +2.2) compared with women in the control arm (+4.0 kg; +1.3 to +6.8) (P=.035).

Conclusion: A Web-based lifestyle modification program for women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus decreased postpartum weight retention.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01158131.

Level of evidence: I.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Diabetes, Gestational* / diagnosis
  • Diabetes, Gestational* / physiopathology
  • Diabetes, Gestational* / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Obesity / diagnosis
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Obesity / psychology
  • Postpartum Period* / physiology
  • Postpartum Period* / psychology
  • Pregnancy
  • Preventive Health Services / methods
  • Preventive Health Services / organization & administration
  • Program Evaluation
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weight Gain / physiology

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01158131