The effect of a lifestyle training package on physical activity and nutritional status in obese and overweight pregnant women: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a lifestyle training package that consisted of a 60- to 90-min session of group training, educational booklet and text messages on physical activity and nutritional status in obese and overweight pregnant women.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 140 obese or overweight women (gestational age: 16-20 weeks) covered by health centres in Tehran, Iran, were equally randomized into two parallel groups using block randomization and stratified by the body mass index. Participants completed the Food Frequency Questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline and fourth and eighth weeks after intervention. Participants were 38 obese and 102 overweight women who were later followed-up.

Results: After the intervention, the mean weekly intake of the vegetable and fruit subgroups was significantly higher; and intake of fats and oils and the confections subgroups were significantly lower in the intervention compared with the control group (p  < 0.05). Although physical activity was higher in the intervention group, 8 weeks after the intervention, this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: The training package appears to offer a suitable strategy for adjusting the intake of the recommended food subgroups in obese and overweight pregnant women.