Weight management in women of reproductive age.

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in women is increasing and can have significant adverse impacts on reproductive and maternofetal outcomes. Further, excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and post-partum weight retention (PPWR) are linked to long-term cardiometabolic complications. This narrative review aims to provide a summary of (1) the impact of overweight and obesity on fertility, (2) the effects of different weight loss modalities on pregnancy and maternofetal outcomes, and (3) the significance of GWG and PPWR.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

The relevant literature from the last 20 years was reviewed and summarized.

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSIONS

Young to middle-aged women with obesity are at higher risk of impaired fertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes, in addition to adverse cardiometabolic health. Further, their offspring also incur cardiometabolic risks. Therefore, it is imperative to help women of reproductive age achieve a healthy weight prior to pregnancy and prevent excessive GWG as well as PPWR. However, more research is needed to identify optimal interventions.