The Effect of Nutrition Education and Physical Activity on Weight Changes and Anthropometric Indices among Postpartum Women with High BMI

Background: Postpartum weight retention is known as a public health challenge that causes obesity in women in the long term. Aim: The present study aimed to determine the effect of nutrition education and physical activity interventions on weight changes and anthropometric indices among postpartum women. Method: This quasi-experimental randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted as a two-group pre/posttest research design in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran, in 2020. A total of 64 women were randomly selected in their postpartum period. Multi-stage sampling was conveniently performed. The training sessions were held for the intervention groups of 5-7 participants in four sessions of 45-60 minutes and once a week by using a pedometer. The control group received routine postpartum care. Maternal weight and anthropometric indices were measured by the end of weeks four and eight. Results: The study findings showed no significant difference in the mean weight of the two groups before the intervention (p=0.47). However, comparing the results of the fourth and eighth weeks after the intervention with the pre-intervention stage revealed that the mean weight in the intervention group had respectively reduced by -3.28±5.57 and -3.75±0.65 which was statistically significant (p˂0.001). The mean waist and hip circumferences also decreased significantly before and after the intervention in both study groups, but such a reduction in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the controls .(p˂0.05). Implications for Practice: Using a pedometer in nutrition and physical education is simple, low-cost, and uncomplicated. Promoting nutritional behaviors and physical activity in postpartum women is recommended by extensively implementing this intervention program which moderates their weight and improves their anthropometric indices.