The postpartum period is associated with increased weight retention after childbirth. Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) is the difference between pre-pregnancy weight and weight in the postpartum period. Although international guidelines recommend a return to pre-pregnancy weight 12 months after childbirth, PPWR is frequent and represents a significant public health concern. Modest PPWR increases the risk of obesity and higher PPWR leads to an increased risk of permanent obesity 5-10 years after birth. Lifestyle interventions starting from pregnancy up to the late postpartum including physical activity and dietary interventions have achieved modest results, and their long-term effect is not sustainable. As such novel approaches to postpartum weight loss are needed. It has been shown that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) help with weight loss by reducing appetite, slowing digestion, and improving metabolic function. These effects contribute to a reduction in calorie intake, increased feelings of fullness, and improved overall energy balance. Despite this, the effect of GLP-1 RA on postpartum weight loss has not been explored in this young but metabolic high-risk population. The overall goal of this project is to determine the perspectives and preferences of postpartum women on the use of pharmacological interventions for weight loss. Specific objectives are 1) evaluate postpartum women’s awareness and knowledge of pharmacological options for postpartum weight management; 2) identify women’s attitudes as well as barriers and facilitators to pharmacological interventions for postpartum weight management; 3) explore perceived effectiveness, safety, side effects of pharmacological interventions among postpartum women.
This project will develop and distribute online surveys to investigate our research questions. The purpose of the survey is to collect and analyze data essential to understanding the perspectives of postpartum women on pharmacological weight loss interventions. We will include postpartum women who are aged 18 years and above, who had delivered in the previous year. We will collect data on demographic characteristics, pregnancy history characteristics, health behaviors or habits, weight history and weight loss experiences and women’s attitudes toward medications for weight loss.
The findings from this survey will provide patient-centered insights that will inform the development of future postpartum weight management interventions at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. In particular, the results will guide the co-design of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of semaglutide for postpartum weight loss, ensuring that the study design reflects women’s priorities, preferences, and real-world needs. Furthermore, the knowledge generated will support evidence-informed decision-making by providing data that could inform policy and reimbursement considerations for the potential use of generic semaglutide in postpartum women. This work will establish the foundation for developing scalable and patient-informed strategies to optimize postpartum weight management and improve long-term maternal cardiometabolic health outcomes after pregnancy.
