Dr Sangeeta Rodeo, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Fortis Hospital, Mumbai (India) answers some questions related to women struggling with post-pregnancy weight and explains the biological reasons involved in this condition.
Health conditions and habits that make it difficult to lose weight
According to Dr. Sangeeta Rodeo, after giving birth, women often face weight gain. Because childbirth requires a lot of energy and breastfeeding is a long process, new mothers tend to consume more calories.
Women after giving birth tend to eat more due to hormonal and emotional changes. That is why losing weight becomes extremely difficult, especially when there is a lack of exercise.
Additionally, many women do not have the time, energy, and motivation to manage or lose postpartum weight, especially when juggling children and household chores.
In such cases, mothers should seek help from nutritionists and medical professionals to find the most suitable solution.
Furthermore, if a woman has other conditions such as postpartum thyroiditis, diabetes, depression, or eating disorders, they can cause more significant weight gain during this period.
Hormonal changes
After giving birth, estrogen and progesterone hormone levels change dramatically. Estrogen, a hormone that helps regulate metabolism and fat distribution in the body, drops significantly after giving birth, making women more susceptible to fat storage.
Additionally, prolactin levels increase to stimulate breast milk production, which may also affect weight loss ability.
Stress and anxiety about caring for children can lead to changes in eating behavior, such as stress eating. This makes weight control more difficult.
Lack of sleep
Many new mothers are sleep deprived because of the demands of caring for a baby. Lack of sleep can increase levels of the hormone cortisol, which causes the body to store fat and increases cravings, especially for sweets and high-calorie foods.
Increased body fat during pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman's body stores fat to support the growth of the fetus and prepare for breastfeeding. Although women may lose some weight immediately after giving birth (such as when the placenta and amniotic fluid are expelled), this excess fat can be difficult to lose.
