Navigating Postpartum Weight Loss: Evidence and Interventions

Postpartum weight retention increases the risk for adverse obstetric outcomes in subsequent pregnancies, childhood obesity, and long-term metabolic and cardiovascular disease for the birthing person. This review examines recent evidence for the efficacy of various weight loss interventions to address this issue.

Combining exercise with caloric restriction is more effective to reduce weight after childbirth than either intervention alone. Weight loss medications like GLP-1 agonists, while becoming more widely prescribed, require continuous use for optimal results and should be discontinued before attempting pregnancy. In 2022, indications for metabolic and bariatric surgery were updated to include BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² and BMI 30–34.9 kg/m² with metabolic disease that is refractory to medical interventions for weight loss.

A multimodal approach is recommended to support postpartum weight loss including, but not limited to, nutrition counseling and physical activity interventions. Weight loss medications and bariatric surgery are recommended adjuncts for patients who are otherwise unable to meet their weight loss goals.