The Profiling of Diet and Physical Activity in Reproductive Age Women and Their Association with Body Mass Index

Abstract

Pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum are critical life stages associated with higher weight gain and obesity risk. Among these women, the sociodemographic groups at highest risk for suboptimal lifestyle behaviours and core lifestyle components associated with excess adiposity are unclear. This study sought to identify subgroups of women meeting diet/physical activity (PA) recommendations in relation to sociodemographics and assess diet/PA components associated with body mass index (BMI) across these life stages. Cross-sectional data (Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011-2012) were analysed for pre-pregnancy, pregnant and postpartum women. The majority (63-95%) of women did not meet dietary or PA recommendations at all life stages. Core and discretionary food intake differed by sociodemographic factors. In pre-pregnant women, BMI was inversely associated with higher whole grain intake (β = -1.58, 95% CI -2.96, -0.21; p = 0.025) and energy from alcohol (β = -0.08, -0.14, -0.005; p = 0.035). In postpartum women, BMI was inversely associated with increased fibre (β = -0.06, 95% CI -0.11, -0.004; p = 0.034) and PA (β = -0.002, 95% CI -0.004, -0.001; p = 0.013). This highlights the need for targeting whole grains, fibre and PA to prevent obesity across life stages, addressing those most socioeconomically disadvantaged.

Keywords: body mass index; diet; dietary guideline; physical activity; reproductive age women.

Figure 1

Flow diagram of study participant inclusion for analysis. NNPA, National Nutrition and Physical activity Survey. ‡ Weight/BMI measurement from pregnant women was not taken. § Energy under reporters based on Goldberg cut-off (EI:BMR < 0.9).

Figure 2

The proportions of women who met and do not meet the population-level recommended intakes of core food groups across reproductive life stages. (A) Fruit, (B) vegetables and legumes, (C) fruit and vegetable combined, (D) grain (cereal) foods, (E) milk and alternatives, (F) meat and alternatives.

Figure 3

The proportions of women who spent time performing physical activity at least 150 min per week or more across reproductive life stages. (A) Total minutes of physical activity per week, (B) moderate–vigorous intensity activity per week. Error bars represent 95% CI of proportions.