Influence of Appetite and Perceived Ability to Control Cravings on Excessive Gestational Weight Gain

Abstract

Objective: To explore whether appetite is associated with gestational weight gain (GWG) and to assess the effect of perceived ability to control cravings on excessive GWG.

Design: Secondary data analysis.

Setting: Rochester, New York, United States.

Participants: Women who were pregnant (N = 1,005) and participated in a randomized controlled trial to test the effect of electronically mediated interventions to prevent excessive GWG and postpartum weight retention.

Methods: We used two questions to assess appetite and perceived ability to control cravings before 28 weeks gestation: "How would you describe your appetite now compared to times when you are not pregnant?" and "How sure are you that you will be able to avoid overeating when you have cravings?" We conducted logistic regression to assess the relationships between appetite, perceived ability to control cravings, and excessive GWG.

Results: More than 47% of participants gained excessive weight during pregnancy. Approximately 62% of participants reported being hungrier, and more than 42% indicated that they were unsure they could avoid overeating with cravings. Participants who reported similar/less appetite than before pregnancy were less likely to gain excessive weight (p < .05). Participants who were sure they could control cravings were less likely to gain excessive weight (p = .02).

Conclusion: Our results show that appetite and perceived ability to control cravings may affect GWG. Additional research is needed to assess if interventions targeting appetite and craving control could limit GWG.

Keywords: appetite; cravings; gestational weight gain; pregnancy.