Can an Internet Program Help Mothers Lose Weight After Pregnancy?

Abstract

Gaining weight in pregnancy is important for the health of the mother and child. However, if a mother keeps on extra weight after having a baby, this can be harmful to her long-term health. This study tested whether an internet weight loss program could help mothers lose weight after having a baby. We worked with WIC, which is a program that gives low-income families food and support. Half of the women in the study received regular WIC and half received WIC plus an internet weight loss program. We found that the internet program helped mothers lose 5 more pounds than regular WIC and also helped more mothers get back to the weight that they were before pregnancy. WIC serves half of all US mothers; the internet weight loss program in WIC could help many women get closer to the weight they were before pregnancy and avoid diseases later in life.