Importance of Self‐Weighing Within the Context of a Postpartum Weight Loss Intervention

ABSTRACT Background Postpartum weight retention is a key concern due to the risk of escalating overweight/obesity, as well as the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Self‐weighing may be a helpful strategy for reducing weight retention; however, the ideal frequency of self‐weighing is not known. Methods The objective of this secondary analysis ( N = 263) examined the role of self‐weighing during the 6‐month postpartum period, with a focus on substantial postpartum weight retention (i.e., ≥ 5 kg). All participants received e‐scales at randomization, which captured daily self‐weighing data over the postpartum period (6 weeks postpartum to 6 months postpartum). Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were applied to determine the association between self‐weighing frequency and postpartum weight retention while controlling for covariates. Results Most participants had overweight or obesity (68.7%), were nulliparous (47.5%), and identified as White (67.3%). The mean self‐weighing frequency was 2.45 ± 1.86 days per week. Each additional day of self‐weighing per week was associated with 34% lower odds of substantial postpartum weight retention, relative to < 0.5 kg weight retention (OR: 0.66, 95th CI: 0.54,0.84, p = 0.001). Self‐weighing ≥ 4 days per week was associated with 3.3 kg lower weight retention, compared to participants who weighed less frequently ( β = −2.89, 95th CI: −4.51,−1.27, p = 0.001). Conclusions Thus, self‐weighing ≥ 4 days per week could be tested as a goal for postpartum weight management. These findings may inform future postpartum weight management programs, as self‐weighing is an easily disseminated strategy. Trial Registration The trial is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 03057808)