The systematic review identified 17 reports representing 15 randomised trials with 6,256 participants; 2,216 contributed to overweight subgroup analyses. The meta-analysis included 12 studies and 1,728 pregnant women with overweight. Interventions combined diet and physical activity, often with goal setting, self-monitoring and digital or remote follow-up.
Key findings
- Lifestyle interventions reduced total gestational weight gain by a pooled 1.44 kg (95% CI −2.34 to −0.55). Heterogeneity was substantial (I²=76%), so the estimate represents an average across different programmes rather than a guaranteed effect from any single design.
Why this matters globally
The findings support integrating diet and physical-activity support into antenatal care for women with overweight, a globally relevant population. Implementation should also evaluate safety, maternal and neonatal outcomes, access equity and service feasibility.
Thai researcher contribution
Thai authors are affiliated with Ramathibodi Hospital, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University and Mahidol University. The team led the evidence synthesis and interpretation for antenatal lifestyle care.
Limitations to consider
Interventions varied in content, intensity, timing and follow-up, producing high heterogeneity. Blinding is difficult in lifestyle trials, overweight-specific subgroup reporting was limited, and weight gain should not substitute for maternal or neonatal clinical outcomes.
Verify the original sources
NutrientsRead the original article↗DOI: 10.3390/nu18142258