Plasma ω-3 fatty acids in pregnancy are inversely associated with postpartum weight retention in a multiethnic Asian cohort1,2

Background: Studies have demonstrated associations between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and adiposity. It is unclear whether PUFAs in pregnancy have an effect on maternal weight retention after childbirth, which can contribute to long-term obesity. Objective: We examined the association of maternal plasma PUFAs in pregnancy with 18-mo postpartum weight retention (PPWR) in a multiethnic Asian cohort. Design: We studied pregnant women (n = 653) recruited between June 2009 and September 2010 from a prospective cohort. At 26–28 wk of gestation, plasma phosphatidylcholine PUFA concentrations were measured and determined as percentages of total fatty acids (FAs). PPWR was calculated based on the difference between measured weight at the first antenatal clinic visit and at 18 mo postpartum. Results: The median retained weight of women was 0.90 kg (IQR: −1.40, 3.25) at 18 mo postpartum. Of 653 women, 544 women (83.3%) had PPWR of