Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Yimin Chen, University of Idaho
Presentation Date
7-2025
Abstract
Postpartum weight retention has a significant impact on long-term health consequences in women. Suboptimal lifestyle behaviors (e.g. poor diet and low physical activity) are associated with postpartum weight retention in women. In various populations, the Mediterranean Diet is associated with reduced risk of obesity-associated chronic diseases. This study’s goal is to analyze the relationship between Mediterranean Diet adherence with perinatal maternal weight status and diabetes risk. The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes plant-based foods and healthy fats: plenty of fruits, vegetables, bread and other grains, potatoes, beans, nuts, and seeds. The primary fat sources are olive oil and dairy products; eggs, fish, and poultry are moderately consumed. This will be a subanalysis of an ongoing study to investigate associations between Mediterranean Diet adherence and perinatal weight (baseline, 4-week, and 8-week postnatal), gestational diabetes, and postnatal glucose homeostasis. The findings from this study will be used to develop educational material for women on the importance of diet patterns during the postpartum period to prevent long-term health consequences.
Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Perinatal Health
Postpartum weight retention has a significant impact on long-term health consequences in women. Suboptimal lifestyle behaviors (e.g. poor diet and low physical activity) are associated with postpartum weight retention in women. In various populations, the Mediterranean Diet is associated with reduced risk of obesity-associated chronic diseases. This study’s goal is to analyze the relationship between Mediterranean Diet adherence with perinatal maternal weight status and diabetes risk. The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes plant-based foods and healthy fats: plenty of fruits, vegetables, bread and other grains, potatoes, beans, nuts, and seeds. The primary fat sources are olive oil and dairy products; eggs, fish, and poultry are moderately consumed. This will be a subanalysis of an ongoing study to investigate associations between Mediterranean Diet adherence and perinatal weight (baseline, 4-week, and 8-week postnatal), gestational diabetes, and postnatal glucose homeostasis. The findings from this study will be used to develop educational material for women on the importance of diet patterns during the postpartum period to prevent long-term health consequences.