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Dodd JM, Deussen AR, Poprzeczny AJ, Slade LJ, Mitchell M, Louise J. Investigating discrepancies in findings between rigorous randomized trials and meta-analyses evaluating pregnancy interventions to limit gestational weight gain. Obes Rev 2024:e13826. [PMID: 39363588 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Robust randomized trials consistently demonstrate little impact from diet and physical activity interventions on gestational weight gain (GWG) and clinical outcomes, although meta-analyses report some benefit. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of trial quality on treatment effect estimates and review conclusions. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of dietary and/or physical activity interventions for pregnant women with a body mass index ≥18.5 kg/m2. We assessed studies for risk of bias and methodological features impacting reliability. Outcomes included GWG; gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); pre-eclampsia; caesarean birth; and birth weight measures. For each outcome, a sequence of meta-analyses was performed based on intervention group and level of potential bias in the effect estimate. RESULTS We identified 128 eligible studies. The most robust estimate from a combined diet and physical activity behavioral intervention, with only studies at negligible risk of bias, was a difference in GWG of 1.10 kg (95% CI -1.62 to -0.58; 17,755 women). There was no evidence of an effect on any clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight discrepancies produced by the indiscriminate inclusion of studies with methodological flaws in previous systematic reviews. Regular weighing of pregnant women is futile in the absence of clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie M Dodd
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and The Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Women's and Children's Hospital, Women's and Babies Division, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrea R Deussen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and The Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Amanda J Poprzeczny
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and The Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Women's and Children's Hospital, Women's and Babies Division, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Laura J Slade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and The Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Women's and Children's Hospital, Women's and Babies Division, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Megan Mitchell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and The Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jennie Louise
- Women's and Children's Hospital Research Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Biostatistics Unit, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Dodd JM, Deussen AR, Mitchell M, Poprzeczny AJ, Louise J. Maternal overweight and obesity during pregnancy: strategies to improve outcomes for women, babies, and children. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2022; 17:343-349. [PMID: 35768936 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2022.2094366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Women with overweight and obesity, and their children, are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy, birth, and longer term health outcomes, believed to be compounded by excessive gestational weight gain (GWG). Research to date has focused on interventions to reduce excessive GWG through changes to maternal diet and/or lifestyle. AREAS COVERED Current clinical recommendations for GWG vary according to a woman's early pregnancy body mass index, based on assumptions that associations between GWG and adverse pregnancy outcomes are causal in nature, and modifiable. While there are small differences in GWG following pregnancy interventions, there is little evidence for clinically relevant effects on pregnancy, birth, and longer term childhood outcomes. This review considers interventional studies targeting women with overweight or obesity to reduce GWG in an effort to improve maternal and infant health, and the current evidence for interventions prior to conception. EXPERT OPINION GWG is not modifiable via diet and lifestyle change, and continued efforts to find the 'right' intervention for women with overweight and obesity during pregnancy are unjustified. Researchers should focus on gathering evidence for interventions prior to pregnancy to optimize maternal health and weight to improve pregnancy, birth, and longer term health outcomes associated with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie M Dodd
- The Robinson Research Institute, and Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Women's and Babies Division, Department of Perinatal Medicine, The Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrea R Deussen
- The Robinson Research Institute, and Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Megan Mitchell
- The Robinson Research Institute, and Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Amanda J Poprzeczny
- The Robinson Research Institute, and Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Women's and Babies Division, Department of Perinatal Medicine, The Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jennie Louise
- The Robinson Research Institute, and Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Scott J, Oxlad M, Dodd J, Szabo C, Deussen A, Turnbull D. Creating Healthy Change in the Preconception Period for Women with Overweight or Obesity: A Qualitative Study Using the Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills Model. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9103351. [PMID: 33086583 PMCID: PMC7603106 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, half of women begin a pregnancy with overweight or obesity, which increases the risk of pregnancy and birth complications and adversely affects the lifelong health of the offspring. In order for metabolic changes to influence the gestational environment, research suggests that weight loss should take place before conception. This study aimed to understand women’s emotional and social contexts, knowledge, motivations, skills and self-efficacy in making healthy change. Semi-structured interviews conducted with twenty-three women with overweight or obesity, informed by the Information–Motivation–Behavioural Skills (IMB) model, were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Information-related themes identified included poor health risk knowledge, healthy food decisions and health versus convenience. The Motivation themes comprised taking responsibility, flexible options, social expectations, interpersonal challenges and accountability. Behavioural Skills entailed themes such as the mental battle, time management, self-care and inspiration. An environmental factor was identified in affordability—limiting access to healthier alternatives. Women wanted simple, flexible options that considered family commitments, time and budgetary constraints. Unprompted, several mentioned the importance of psychological support in managing setbacks, stress and maintaining motivation. Strategies for enhancing self-efficacy and motivational support are required to enable longstanding health behaviour change. Findings will inform intervention mapping development of an eHealth solution for women preconception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie Scott
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (M.O.); (D.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Melissa Oxlad
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (M.O.); (D.T.)
| | - Jodie Dodd
- Robinson Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Department of Perinatal Medicine, Women’s and Babies Division, Women’s & Children’s Hospital, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (J.D.); (A.D.)
| | - Claudia Szabo
- School of Computer Science, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia;
| | - Andrea Deussen
- Robinson Institute and School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Department of Perinatal Medicine, Women’s and Babies Division, Women’s & Children’s Hospital, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (J.D.); (A.D.)
| | - Deborah Turnbull
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; (M.O.); (D.T.)
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Gestational Weight Gain-Re-Examining the Current Paradigm. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12082314. [PMID: 32752149 PMCID: PMC7468983 DOI: 10.3390/nu12082314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Our aim was to investigate the underlying assumptions of the current gestational weight gain (GWG) paradigm, specifically that—(1) GWG is modifiable through diet and physical activity; (2) optimal GWG and risk of excess GWG, vary by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) category and (3) the association between GWG and adverse pregnancy outcomes is causal. Using data from three large, harmonized randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to limit GWG and improve pregnancy outcomes and with appropriate regression models, we investigated the link between diet and physical activity and GWG; the relationships between pre-pregnancy BMI, GWG and birth weight z-score; and the evidence for a causal relationship between GWG and pregnancy outcomes. We found little evidence that diet and physical activity in pregnancy affected GWG and that the observed relationships between GWG and adverse pregnancy outcomes are causal in nature. Further, while there is evidence that optimal GWG may be lower for women with higher BMI, target ranges defined by BMI categories do not accurately reflect risk of adverse outcomes. Our findings cast doubt upon current advice regarding GWG, particularly for overweight and obese women and suggest that a change in focus is warranted.
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Dodd JM, Deussen AR, Louise J. A Randomised Trial to Optimise Gestational Weight Gain and Improve Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes through Antenatal Dietary, Lifestyle and Exercise Advice: The OPTIMISE Randomised Trial. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11122911. [PMID: 31810217 PMCID: PMC6949931 DOI: 10.3390/nu11122911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There are well-recognised associations between excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including an increased risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and caesarean birth. The aim of the OPTIMISE randomised trial was to evaluate the effect of dietary and exercise advice among pregnant women of normal body mass index (BMI), on pregnancy and birth outcomes. The trial was conducted in Adelaide, South Australia. Pregnant women with a body mass index in the healthy weight range (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) were enrolled in a randomised controlled trial of a dietary and lifestyle intervention versus standard antenatal care. The dietitian-led dietary and lifestyle intervention over the course of pregnancy was based on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Baseline characteristics of women in the two treatment groups were similar. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of infants with birth weight above 4.0 kg between the Lifestyle Advice and Standard Care groups (24/316 (7.59%) Lifestyle Advice versus 26/313 (8.31%) Standard Care; adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 1.55; p = 0.732). Despite improvements in maternal diet quality, no significant differences between the treatment groups were observed for total GWG, or other pregnancy and birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie M. Dodd
- Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia; (A.R.D.); (J.L.)
- Department of Perinatal Medicine Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea R. Deussen
- Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia; (A.R.D.); (J.L.)
| | - Jennie Louise
- Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia; (A.R.D.); (J.L.)
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