Gestational weight loss and fetal growth in uncomplicated pregnancies among women with obesity: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors' conclusion
These findings highlight that GWL in women with obesity may increase the risk of SGA neonates but reduce the risk of LGA neonates. Recommendations of GWL for women with obesity should be interpreted with caution.
Study context
- Population
- Women with pre-pregnancy obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m²) and singleton live birth in 2012–2017, Ontario, Canada; pregnancy complications or conditions that could cause weight loss excluded5.3% had gestational weight loss (GWL)
- Participants
- 52,153 women
- Exposure
- GWL vs adequate gestational weight gain
- Outcome
- Risk of SGA and LGA neonates
Methodological detailsbirth registry data, generalized estimating equation models, restricted cubic spline regression, stratified by obesity class
- Birth registry data
- Generalized estimating equation models
- Restricted cubic spline regression
- Stratified by obesity class
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
GWL vs Adequate gestational weight gainEstimate (95% CI)
Increased risk of SGA
aRR (SGA) 1.45(1.30–1.60)
Decreased risk of LGA
aRR (LGA) 0.81(0.73–0.93)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Dose-response: gestational weight change and small-for-gestational-age (SGA)/large-for-gestational-age (LGA)
- Non-linear L-shaped association with SGA: increased SGA risk with increased GWL
- Non-linear S-shaped association with LGA: decreased LGA risk with increased GWL
Stratified by obesity class (I, II, III+)
- Similar findings across obesity classes
Original publication
Gestational weight loss and fetal growth in uncomplicated pregnancies among women with obesity: a population-based retrospective cohort study. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 13 October 2023. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →