Study Examines Dietary Patterns and Hormones During Pregnancy

Background on Obesity in Pregnancy

A study conducted in Brazil explored the connection between dietary patterns and the appetite-regulating hormones adiponectin and leptin during pregnancy. Obesity is a widespread issue affecting various demographics, including pregnant women. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy poses risks for both mothers and their unborn children, leading to complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, larger babies, premature deliveries, and increased likelihood of cesarean sections. Diets characterized as “Western,” which are high in refined foods, sugars, and saturated fats while low in fiber, correlate with obesity. However, research on the impact of “Western” dietary patterns on weight gain during pregnancy has yielded inconsistent results.

Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy induces several physiological changes in women, including fluctuations in the levels of appetite-regulating hormones like adiponectin and leptin. These hormones serve as indicators of body fat and are influenced by dietary choices. Previous studies indicate that “healthy” dietary patterns are linked to elevated adiponectin levels, while “unhealthy” diets correlate with increased leptin levels. Research specifically examining how these hormones respond to dietary patterns during pregnancy is limited. The Brazilian study aimed to fill this gap and was recently published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Study Design and Participants

Participants were recruited from a public antenatal clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between November 2009 and October 2011. A total of 173 pregnant women took part in the study. Researchers evaluated the women during early, mid, and late pregnancy, as well as one month postpartum. Body weight was measured at each visit, and blood samples were collected to assess levels of adiponectin and leptin. Dietary patterns were evaluated through a food frequency questionnaire completed by participants during their late pregnancy visit.

Comparing Dietary Patterns

Initial findings revealed that 40% of participants were classified as overweight or obese prior to pregnancy. The average daily caloric intake during pregnancy was slightly over 2,400 kcal, with an average weight gain of nearly 12 kg. Approximately 35% of women experienced excessive weight gain, and around 56% remained overweight or obese one month after giving birth.

Analysis of the food frequency questionnaires revealed two distinct dietary patterns. The first, termed “common Brazilian,” was characterized by higher intakes of beans and rice and lower consumption of fast food, sugary items, and processed meats. The second pattern, labeled “Western,” was marked by greater consumption of fast food and processed meats, with lower intakes of noodles, pasta, and root vegetables. Statistical analysis demonstrated that women adhering more closely to the “common Brazilian” diet exhibited higher levels of adiponectin, while those following the “Western” diet had lower adiponectin levels and elevated leptin levels.

Implications of the Findings

The researchers concluded that the “common Brazilian” diet is a healthy dietary pattern that positively impacts the blood levels of adiponectin and leptin. Given the scarcity of research in this area, they advocate for further studies in diverse countries to identify additional healthy dietary patterns for pregnant women.

Reference

Alves-Santos NH, Cocate PG, Eshriqui I, et al. Dietary patterns and their association with adiponectin and leptin concentrations throughout pregnancy: a prospective cohort. Br J of Nutrition. DOI 10.1017/S0007114517003580.