Guidance
Recommendations for research
- 1 Relevance of US Institute of Medicine guidelines to a UK population
- 2 Effective and cost-effective ways of helping women to manage their weight before pregnancy
- 3 Effective and cost-effective ways of helping women to manage their weight during pregnancy
- 4 Effective and cost-effective ways of helping women to manage their weight after childbirth
- 5 Breastfeeding and postpartum weight management
Recommendations for research
The Public Health Interventions Advisory Committee (PHIAC) recommends that the following research questions should be addressed. It notes that 'effectiveness' in this context relates not only to the size of the effect, but also to cost effectiveness and duration of effect in terms of outcomes for both the mother and infant. It also takes into account any harmful/negative side effects.
1 Relevance of US Institute of Medicine guidelines to a UK population
Are the US Institute of Medicine (2009) guidelines on weight gain in pregnancy appropriate for use with the UK population? Does adherence to these recommendations improve outcomes? Are they effective with women under 18 and those from minority ethnic groups?
2 Effective and cost-effective ways of helping women to manage their weight before pregnancy
What are the most effective and cost-effective ways of helping women to manage their weight before pregnancy? This includes women who are obese, those who are under 18 and those from disadvantaged, low income and minority ethnic groups.
3 Effective and cost-effective ways of helping women to manage their weight during pregnancy
What are the most effective and cost-effective ways of helping women to manage their weight during pregnancy? This includes women who are obese, those who are under 18 and those from disadvantaged, low income and minority ethnic groups.
4 Effective and cost-effective ways of helping women to manage their weight after childbirth
What are the most effective and cost-effective ways of helping women to manage their weight after childbirth? This includes women who are obese, those who are under 18 and those from disadvantaged, low income and minority ethnic groups.
-
When is the most appropriate time to start managing weight after childbirth?
-
What is the optimal rate of weight loss to ensure long-term success?
-
How does resuming behaviours such as smoking and drinking influence postpartum weight management?
5 Breastfeeding and postpartum weight management
How can breastfeeding help with postpartum weight management, both in terms of energy expenditure and energy balance?
More detail on the gaps in the evidence identified during development of this guidance is in appendix D.