A groundbreaking study from the University of Pittsburgh has revealed that Black women are two to three times more likely to retain or gain weight after childbirth compared to their white counterparts, even when pre-pregnancy weights and gestational weight trajectories are similar. This research, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, suggests that the stress associated with experiences of racism and gender-based discrimination may play a significant role in this disparity.
Postpartum weight retention is a critical health issue, as it is associated with increased cardiovascular risks and other adverse health outcomes that can persist throughout a person’s life. The findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing the underlying stressors related to discrimination as part of broader community and clinical interventions aimed at improving health outcomes for postpartum women.
“Beyond individual choices and behavior, we must consider the environment in which individuals live, as it significantly impacts health. Context and lived experiences matter,” said Dr. Dara Méndez, the study’s lead author, associate professor of epidemiology, and associate director of the Center for Health Equity at Pitt Public Health. “It’s essential to connect individuals to appropriate services and support during the postpartum period, especially in light of the stress and discrimination they may face.”
The study, part of the Postpartum Mothers Mobile Study (PMOMS), involved 313 pregnant individuals recruited between 2017 and 2020. Researchers followed participants from their second trimester through one year postpartum. Participants weighed themselves weekly using Bluetooth-enabled scales and completed daily brief surveys via smartphone. These surveys collected real-time data on their everyday experiences, including stress and discrimination.
Utilizing a method known as ecological momentary assessment (EMA), the study aimed to capture participants’ thoughts and behaviors in their natural environments. Researchers also documented acute experiences of discrimination in various contexts, such as applying for loans, interacting with educators, job searching, and encounters with law enforcement.
Conclusion
The results showed that Black women retained an average of 0.3 additional pounds for every 10% increase in the number of days they experienced racial discrimination in the previous month. Similarly, gender discrimination was linked to weight retention, with participants retaining an extra 0.4 pounds for every 10% increase in days experiencing such discrimination. Importantly, these associations remained significant even when controlling for comparable pregnancy health factors among participants.
This study highlights the need for targeted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by Black women during the postpartum period, emphasizing the critical role of social determinants of health in shaping health outcomes.
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