Prevalence and Predictors of Substantial Postpartum Weight Retention Among Participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Southern California.

PURPOSE

Identify the prevalence and predictors of substantial postpartum weight retention (SPPWR) among WIC mothers in Southern California during their first postpartum year.

DESIGN

Secondary data analysis.

SETTING

The 2020 Los Angeles County WIC Survey.

SUBJECTS

Mothers of children up to 1-year-old (N = 1019).

MEASURES

Outcome variable: SPPWR (≥5 kg above pre-pregnancy weight). Predictors: child's age, mother's age, race, education, employment status since having child, healthcare coverage, food insecurity, depressed mood, instrumental support, emotional support, spouse's participation in child's life, gestational weight gain (GWG), pre-pregnancy BMI, any breastfeeding, and gestational diabetes.

ANALYSIS

Weighted descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of SPPWR was 31%. We found that for every 1 month increase in the child's age (proxy for postpartum duration), the likelihood of SPPWR increased by 9% (AOR = 1.09, CI = 1.04-1.15). Mothers were more likely to have SPPWR when they exceeded GWG guidelines (AOR = 3.43, CI = 2.46-4.79). Compared to mothers with normal pre-pregnancy BMIs, mothers with overweight (AOR = .64, CI = .44-.94) and obese (AOR = .39, CI = .26-.58) pre-pregnancy BMIs were less likely to experience SPPWR.

CONCLUSION

Postpartum duration and maternal anthropometric characteristics were associated with SPPWR during the first postpartum year. Extending WIC eligibility for postpartum mothers to 2 years through the Wise Investment in Children Act may give WIC providers the opportunity to work closely with Southern California WIC mothers to achieve a healthy weight after pregnancy.