Maternal-Offspring Metabolics:Family Intervention Trial

The prevalence of maternal overweight and obesity has nearly doubled in the United States since 1976. In 2004-2005, 42% of pregnant women had body mass index (BMI) above 25 versus 23% in 1993. Most American women are overweight/ obese (OW/OB) at conception, especially within certain racial, ethnic, and lower socioeconomic groups leading to increased adverse maternal and birth outcomes. This study will recruit, randomize and test in 300 ethnically diverse OW/OB pregnant women a behavioral intervention aimed at controlling gestational weight gain (GWG) through recommended diet, activity and lifestyle changes that are to be maintained postpartum. Outcomes include anthropometric (height, weight, percent body fat) metabolic (blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipids and C-reactive protein) and behavioral measures (diet. physical activity, sleep and stress). In addition, babies will be measured for length, weight and percent body fat. The goal is to limit excessive gestational weight gain through improved maternal lifestyle that can be maintained and modelled for the family post partum and beyond.