Changes in maternal and paternal body composition during the transition to parenthood (TRANSPARENTS). Issue 1 (5th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Versele, Vickà; Stas, Lara; Aerenhouts, Dirk; Deliens, Tom; Clarys, Peter; Gucciardo, Leonardo; Bogaerts, Annick; Devlieger, Roland
• Is Part Of: Obesity. Volume 31:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 225
• Page End: 233
• Publication Date: 2022-12-05
• Subjects: Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.398005
• DOI: 10.1002/oby.23586
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1930-7381

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The transition to parenthood might negatively influence health‐related behavior and can result in increased adiposity. The aim of this study was to investigate how body composition in mother–father dyads changes from pregnancy up to 6 months post partum. Methods: Anthropometrics were collected from 144 nulliparous couples at 12 weeks of gestation (PG12) and 6 weeks (PP6WK) and 6 months (PP6M) post partum. A longitudinal dyadic confirmatory factor analysis model was used to analyze changes in body composition. Body composition was treated as a latent variable using BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference as indicators. Results: For women, latent means increased at 6 weeks post partum (PP6WK − PG12: +1.115, SE: 0.117, p < 0.001), decreased again at 6 months post partum (PP6M − PP6WK: −0.368, SE: 0.107, p < 0.001), but remained above baseline levels (PP6M − PG12: +0.747; SE: 0.115, p < 0.001). For men, the latent means at follow‐up were higher than at baseline (PP6WK‐PG12: +0.370, SE: 0.075; PP6M‐PG12: +0.366, SE: 0.084, both p < 0.001). Conclusions: Increases in latent means correspond to unfavorable changes in BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference. These changes were observed from the beginning of pregnancy up to 6 months post partum. Weight management for both women and men during pregnancy and the early postpartum period is recommended and fathers should be included in pre‐ and postnatal standard care.