Pregnant women have been told that gaining weight during pregnancy is important for maternal and perinatal health outcomes. However, today it is known that excessive weight gain during pregnancy is associated with adverse health outcomes. This article presents the connection between gestational weight gain and long-term postpartum weight retention as well as relevant epidemiology, predictors for postpartum weight retention and implications of its occurrence. In addition, in this review we raise possible prevention and intervention strategies for preventing weight retention following delivery. Maintaining proper weight gain after delivery, supported by appropriate prevention and intervention for postpartum weight retention, such as counseling regarding a healthy diet and physical activity, social support for postpartum women and social awareness for this important issue can aid in reducing the possible complications of future weight retention.