Associations of appetite sensations and metabolic characteristics with weight retention in postpartum women

Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) is an important risk factor for long-term obesity. Appetite may be a key factor regulating PPWR. The objectives of this study were to determine the associations between (i) PPWR and appetite; and (ii) appetite, lactation, and metabolic characteristics. Data from 49 women at 9 months postpartum contributed to this cross-sectional analysis. Energy expenditure was assessed in a whole-body calorimetry unit for 24 h. Appetite sensations were rated using visual analogue scales. Lactation (min/day) was measured using a 3-day breastfeeding diary. PPWR was negatively associated with fullness (β ± SE; R² = -2.97 ± 0.72; 0.661; P < 0.001), and satiety (-2.75 ± 0.81; 0.617; P = 0.002), and was positively associated with hunger (2.19 ± 1.02; 0.548; P = 0.039), prospective food consumption (PFC; 2.19 ± 0.91; 0.562; P = 0.021), and composite appetite score (CAS; 0.34 ± 0.09; 0.632; P = 0.001). Lactation was associated with higher CAS (39.68 ± 15.56; 0.365; P = 0.015), hunger (3.56 ± 1.61; 0.308; P = 0.033), and PFC (4.22 ± 1.78; 0.314; P = 0.023), and with reduced sensations of fullness (-4.18 ± 1.94; 0.358; P = 0.038) and satiety (-3.83 ± 1.87; 0.295; P = 0.048). Lactation was associated with appetite, which in turn was related to PPWR. Appetite control should be explored to support postpartum weight management strategies. Novelty Postpartum weight retention was associated with appetite sensations, which were assessed throughout the day under conditions in which energy intake and expenditure were precisely matched. Lactation and other maternal metabolic factors, including carbohydrate oxidation and physical activity level may play a role in controlling appetite during the postpartum period.