Healthy eating and lifestyle in pregnancy. The HELP trial

Simpson, S. , John, E., Cassidy, D., Playle, R., Jewell, K., Cohen, D. and Longo, M. (2015) Healthy eating and lifestyle in pregnancy. The HELP trial. Appetite, 87, p. 396. (doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2014.12.177)

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Abstract

Maternal obesity is associated with pregnancy and birth complications. Excess weight gain during pregnancy can lead to long-term maternal obesity and is linked with child obesity. This study aims to test a theory based weight management intervention for obese pregnant women, which targets physical activity and healthy eating. This cluster RCT recruited 598 pregnant women across 20 maternity units. Women in the intervention group were invited to attend a weekly weight management group. Control participants received usual care. Women were followed up at 36 weeks gestation and 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year postpartum. The primary outcome is BMI at 1 year postpartum. Secondary outcomes include pregnancy weight gain, quality of life, mental health, waist–hip ratio, child weight, diet, physical activity, pregnancy and birth complications, breast feeding, social support, self-regulation and self-efficacy. A health economic and process evaluation were also conducted. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Most women thought that controlling their weight was important and around half were confident that they could control their weight during the pregnancy. Over a third of the women weighed themselves daily or weekly. Follow-up data are currently being analysed and results for all outcomes will be completed by May 2014 and presented at the conference. This trial is in an under-researched area and is highly topical. If successful, this intervention could reduce health risks and lead to reduced healthcare costs, as well as potentially impacting on the wider family.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Conference abstract presented at the UK Congress on Obesity 2014, Birmingham, UK, 16-17 Sep 2014.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Simpson, Professor Sharon
Authors: Simpson, S., John, E., Cassidy, D., Playle, R., Jewell, K., Cohen, D., and Longo, M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:Appetite
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0195-6663
ISSN (Online):1095-8304
Published Online:13 February 2015

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
168560MRC SPHSU/GU Transfer FellowshipsLaurence MooreMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_PC_13027HW - MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit