THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIET, ACTIVITY, AND OTHER FACTORS, AND POSTPARTUM WEIGHT CHANGE BY RACE

Objective: To identify the impact of dietary intake and activity level on postpartum weight change. Methods: White (n = 121) and black (n = 224) women, 7-12 months postpartum, participating in the Special Suppl emental Feeding Program for Women, infants, and Children were assessed for dietary intake, activity level, body weight, and other maternal c haracteristics. Results: For both black and white women, the most impo rtant variables in predicting postpartum weight loss were pre-pregnanc y weight, gestational weight gain, parity, and prenatal exercise. Afte r these factors were controlled, race predicted that black women retai ned 6.4 lb more than white women. These results may be due to the find ing that black women reported significantly higher mean energy intake (2039 versus 1552 kcal, P < .001), higher percent fat in diet (41 vers us 38%, P < .001), and significantly lower amounts of prenatal and pos tpartum activity. Conclusion: Higher energy intake and lower activity levels in black postpartum mothers compared with white mothers may con tribute to the significantly higher rates of obesity found in black mo thers. This study suggests the need for intervention strategies in the prenatal and postpartum periods to help those at risk of retaining we ight gained during pregnancy.