Pregnancy Racial Disparities in Weight Gain: Researchers Uncover Ties to Chronic Stressors

A groundbreaking study published today in the American Journal of Epidemiology has revealed that Black women are disproportionately more likely to experience weight gain after childbirth compared to their white counterparts. The research, led by University of Pittsburgh epidemiologists, explores the impact of racism and gender-based discrimination on postpartum weight retention, shedding light on a pressing health concern.

Conducted as part of the Postpartum Mothers Mobile Study (PMOMS), 313 pregnant individuals were recruited over three years to document their daily experiences, including stress, discrimination, and weight. The study employed an innovative method called ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to capture data in real-time while participants engaged with their environment.

The research found that black participants retained approximately two to three pounds more than white women for every 10% increase in days experiencing racial discrimination over the previous month. Additionally, daily exposure to gender-based discrimination was linked to weight retention, with black women retaining around 0.4 additional pounds per 10% increase over a similar period.

Despite accounting for comparable pregnancy and health factors, these finding persisted, suggesting that chronic stressors from racism and gender-based discrimination play a significant role in postpartum weight gain among Black women.

"Context matters when it comes to health," said Dara Méndez, Ph.D., M.P.H., the study's lead author. "Lived experiences with racism and gender-based discrimination can have an insidious impact on our bodies. We need to recognize that we're not just dealing with individual choices; we're also grappling with macroscopic societal issues that affect all individuals."

The study highlights the importance of addressing underlying stressors in postpartum care by providing interventions that focus on alleviating chronic discrimination and promoting inclusivity. By acknowledging context matters, healthcare systems can better link patients to supportive services and resources that address their unique needs during this vulnerable period.

"Mental health considerations, societal inequalities are as important as any biologic mechanisms or genetic predispositions," emphasized Dr Méndez.

The PMOMS research was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (# R01HL135218).