The effect of methods used in the management of maternal obesity on pregnancy and birth outcomes: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
The study revealed that methods used in the treatment of maternal obesity may reduce some negative maternal and newborn outcomes, but it is more important to start pregnancy with an ideal weight.
Study context
- Population
- Pregnant women with obesity; 21 studies published 2013–2021
- Participants
- 7,695 women21 studies
- Comparison
- Weight management interventions for maternal obesity vs control
- Outcome
- Pregnancy and birth outcomes
Methodological detailsPRISMA, ROB2 quality assessment, GRADE certainty of evidence
- PRISMA
- ROB2 quality assessment
- GRADE certainty of evidence
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
- Weight management interventions significantly reduced weight gain during pregnancy
- p < 0.001
- Weight management interventions significantly reduced birth weight
- p < 0.01
- No effect on other adverse pregnancy outcomes in the synthesis
- p > 0.05
Further pooled results
Subgroup: brochures
- Lower birth weight
- P < 0.01
- Lower weight gained during pregnancy
- P < 0.001
Subgroup: metformin
- Significant drop in neonatal ICU admissions
- P < 0.01
Subgroup: exercise
- Lower gestational diabetes
- P < 0.001
- Lower weight gained during pregnancy
- P < 0.001
- Lower birth weight
- P = 0.01
- Lower large-for-gestational-age baby birth
- P < 0.05
Subgroup: diet and exercise combined
- Significantly reduced weight gained during pregnancy
- P = 0.001
GRADE certainty of evidence
- Critical outcomes with high certainty
- 15 of 15
Original publication
The effect of methods used in the management of maternal obesity on pregnancy and birth outcomes: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 26 March 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →