Pregnancy-Induced Changes in Body Fat, Physical Fitness and Energy Requirements in Military and Civilian Women
Abstract
This study addresses the impact of pregnancy-induced changes in body composition and physical fitness on postpartum return to duty readiness. Physical activity, weight, FFM and fat mass, fitness, strength, and iron status was measured in women with- low to high pre-pregnancy BMI through a complete reproductive cycle. Physical activity was quantified by the doubly-labeled water method. Body composition was measured by hydrodensitometry, total body water, 40K counting, prompt-gamma activation, and DXA. Data obtained prior to pregnancy strongly indicate a need to revise military equations used to predict body fat. Postpartum weight retention at 6 mo averaged 2.7 i 3.9 kg, and was greater in the high BMI group (4.0 +/- 4.4 kg) than the low and normal BMI groups (2.4 i 3.5 kg). BMI had increased by approximately one unit in all groups. FM increased by 2.1+4.1 kg FM at 6 mo postpartum, with means of 2.6 +/- 3.7,1.7 +/- 4.1 and 3.O +/- 5.O kg in the low, normal and high BMI groups, respectively. There was evidence of deconditioning at 6 wk postpartum with near recovery at 6 mo postpartum. The effect of gestational weight gain, fat accretion and deconditioning would affect a woman's ability to return to weight, body fat and fitness standards in the 6 mo following delivery.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADB263737
Entities
People
- Nancy F. Butte
Organizations
- Baylor College of Medicine