CHANGES IN BODY-WEIGHT AND ADIPOSITY DURING LACTATION

Studies from different parts of the world reveal subtle changes in bod y composition that indicate that differences in maternal nutritional s tatus modulate the mobilization of fat depots during lactation. In the first three postpartum months, weight loss is a norm regardless of so cioeconomic background. However, in regards to adiposity, differences between mothers of rich and poor countries will depend on methods of b ody fat measurement and a differentiation between the nutritional stat us of poor and affluent women. Whole body estimates of adiposity showe d great variability even within the same studies, whereas assessments based on skinfold measurements showed conflicting results. Lactating m others in less developed countries loose subcutaneous fat when measure d as a single or as a sum of several skinfold measurements. Triceps sk infold thickness appears to be sensitive to short-term changes in marg inally nourished mothers. Mothers from affluent countries will show mo re variable results in changes in body fat. In these women triceps ski nfold always increased but the sum of multiple skinfolds could either increase or decrease. In the second trimester of lactation, relative d ifferences in body weight and body fat between mothers of different so cioeconomic backgrounds were less noticeable. All mothers showed compa rable range of loss in percent body weight and percent body fat. Thus the effects of lactation on adiposity occur mainly during the second t rimester, but will occur in the first semester in circumstances of rel ative maternal malnutrition. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.