Postpartum physical activity in overweight and obese women.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Low physical activity (PA) during the postpartum period is associated with weight retention. While patterns of PA have been examined in normal weight women during this period, little is known about PA among overweight and obese women. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate PA and determine the proportion of women meeting recommendations for PA.

Methods

Women (n = 491), with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m² were enrolled in a behavioral intervention. PA was assessed at six weeks postpartum using the Seven-Day PA Recall.

Results

Women averaged 923 ± 100 minutes/day of sedentary/ light and 33 ± 56 minutes/day of combined moderate, hard, and very hard daily activity. Women with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² reported more time in sedentary/light activitie

SUBMITTER: Durham HA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3613777 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature