Lifestyle changes in obese pregnant woman

Aim: A wrong lifestyle, in terms of physical activity and eating habits, in pregnant woman is associated with poor outcomes. The aim is to investigate the modification in body composition after a lifestyle change during pregnancy. Methods: 7 female (age 36.6 ± 5.8 yrs, BMI 41.45 ± 3.15 kg/m2 ) in early pregnancy were enrolled. At the first examination it were evaluated: –-Body composition by anthropometry, skinfold thickness and bioelectrical impedance; –-Aerobic capacity with the six minute walking test; –-Eating habits with a food diary. Daily walking were establish for each subject in term of duration (30 minutes) and intensity (heart rate from walking test, steps per minute and self perceived of exertion. Individualized corrections were provided for eating habits. The efficacy of the program were establish by body composition assessment: data before and after 30 days were compared (t-test for paired data). Results: No significant change occurs in anthropometrics parameters. After one month a significant reduction in fat mass were observed (T0 = 41.35 ± 8.84; T1 = 39.35 ± 8.22 kg; p = 0.02) manly dependent from biceps (T0 = 20.80 ± 4.88; T1 = 15.74 ± 1.59 mm; p = 0.02) and triceps (T0 = 33.41 ± 6.70; T1 = 28.29 ± 6.48 mm; p = 0.003) skinfold. An increase in fat free mass were also found (T0 = 64.43 ± 8.41; T1 = 65.85 ± 8.75 kg; p = 0.02). A redistribution in body water occurs with an increase in extra cellular compartment as adaptation to training (T0 = 19.54 ± 3.27; T1 = 20.33 ± 2.82 L; p = 0.04), mainly dependent by a reduction in reactance value (T0 = 46.71 ± 7.57; T1 = 43.14 ± 4.85 X; p = 0.03). Conclusions: During pregnancy, many women increase the amount of sedentary behavior. This predispose to risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension and also risk to the fetus. Regular walking activity during this period decreases the risk associated with fat mass even after only 30 days. References Muktabhant B, Lawrie TA, Lumbiganon P, Laopaiboon M. Diet or exercise, or both, for preventing excessive weight gain in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Jun 11;6:CD007145.