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Original Research
Role of exclusive breastfeeding in energy balance and weight loss during the first six months postpartum
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1
Department of the Science of Dietetics-Nutrition, Harokopio University of Athens, Athens (Greece)
2
Department of Midwifery, School of Health and Medical Care, Alexandreio Technological Institute of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki (Greece)
3
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Shrewsbury Hospital Shrewsbury (United Kingdom)
Clin. Exp. Obstet. Gynecol. 2013, 40(4), 485–488;
Published: 10 December 2013
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the energy intake (EI), energy expenditure (EE), and body weight changes of solely breastfeeding women during the first six months postpartum. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study of lactating women (n = 64). Three-day dietary records were filled in to assess EI. EE was calculated with a short physical activity questionnaire. Energy cost of milk production was not included in EE estimation. Results: Daily EI and EE for the six-month period was 2,000 Kcal and 1,870 Kcal, respectively. Women had a positive energy balance throughout the study period. Nevertheless, they had a significant weight loss of 0.7 kg/month by the first trimester of lactation, but a non-significant weight loss of 0.5 kg/month by the second trimester. Overall, women lost 86% of the weight gained during pregnancy. Conclusion: Exclusively breastfeeding women manage to lose weight during the first six months postpartum as part of the natural process of energy cost of lactation.
Keywords
Energy intake
Weight change
Lactation