Developing a lifestyle intervention to reduce postpartum weight retention

Women may retain some weight after having children. Lifestyle intervention programs that include diet and physical activity can support weight management. However, mothers may have limited time to commit to intensive lifestyle interventions that produce the best weight loss outcomes, due to demands including raising children and managing the household. This thesis investigated strategies to improve the engagement of women with young children in lifestyle interventions to reduce weight retention and improve health and wellbeing. Integrating interventions into existing services such as mothers’ groups has the potential to improve the reach and engagement of mothers.