Researchers have struggled to determine why Black individuals are two to three times more likely than white individuals to either retain or gain weight after childbirth, despite similar pre-pregnancy and pregnancy weight patterns. A groundbreaking study from the University of Pittsburgh suggests that the stress related to personal experiences of racism and gender discrimination may provide some answers. This study was published today in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Researchers have struggled to determine why Black individuals are two to three times more likely than white individuals to either retain or gain weight after childbirth, despite similar pre-pregnancy and pregnancy weight patterns. A groundbreaking study from the University of Pittsburgh suggests that the stress related to personal experiences of racism and gender discrimination may provide some answers. This study was published today in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Since retaining weight after childbirth is linked to higher cardiovascular risks and other adverse health effects that can last a lifetime, the new findings recommend focusing on addressing the stressors caused by discrimination, as this could enhance community and clinical interventions.
“We need to consider more than just personal choices and behaviors. An individual’s environment significantly impacts health,” stated lead researcher Dara Méndez, Ph.D., M.P.H., an associate professor of epidemiology and the associate director of the Center for Health Equity at Pitt Public Health. “The context and life experiences are crucial. How can we connect individuals to suitable services and support during the postpartum period, considering their stress exposures and discrimination experiences?”
As part of the Postpartum Mothers Mobile Study (PMOMS), researchers recruited 313 pregnant participants from 2017 to 2020, tracking them from their second trimester to one year postpartum.
Participants tracked their weight weekly using Bluetooth scales and filled out brief daily surveys via their smartphones. These surveys inquired about various aspects of their daily lives, including experiences of stress and discrimination. The method employed was ecological momentary assessment (EMA), which gathers real-time data on thoughts and behaviors while participants are in their everyday settings. Furthermore, the study noted experiences of discrimination in significant areas like applying for loans, interactions with educational staff, job searching or retention, and encounters with law enforcement, including cases of unfair stops, searches, questioning, threats, or abuse.
The results indicated that Black participants gained an extra 0.3 pounds for every 10% rise in the days they faced racial discrimination in the preceding month. Similarly, gender discrimination contributed to weight retention, with an additional 0.4 pounds retained per every 10% increase in days of these experiences. Importantly, these trends continued even when the health aspects pertaining to pregnancy were similar to those of participants who reported lower levels of racial and gender discrimination.
Other contributors to this study include Sarah Sanders, Ph.D., M.P.H., Andrea Casas, Ph.D., M.P.H., B.A., Marquita Smalls, M.P.H., Tiffany Gary-Webb, Ph.D., M.H.S., Linda Adodoadji, John Gianakas, Amy Lai, Ph.D., M.S.P.H., Lora Burke, Ph.D., M.P.H., F.A.H.A., F.A.A.N., Maisa Feghali, M.D., and Meredith Wallace, Ph.D., all affiliated with Pitt; Amanda Tapia, Dr.P.H., from Mayo Clinic; Esa Davis, M.D., M.P.H., of the University of Maryland; Stephen Rathbun, Ph.D., from the University of Georgia; and Serwaa Omowale, Ph.D., L.M.S.W., M.P.H., of UTHealth Houston.
This research received support from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (#R01HL135218).
