Exploring the pressure to “bounce back” to pre-pregnancy weight after birth

Abstract

Weight stigma is defined as negative attitudes and beliefs towards individuals based on their weight, which can manifest as stereotypes, rejection, and prejudice. During the postpartum period, societal pressures to quickly lose weight are intensified and often glorify rapid weight loss. These pressures can have a negative impact on maternal mental health, contributing to postpartum depression, anxiety, and impaired mother-infant bonding. This study aimed to identify the sources of potential pressure to ‘bounce back’ to pre-pregnancy weight among women who have recently given birth. The study involved an online survey, comprised of closed- and open-ended questions, completed by 114 women who were on average 71.0 (12.3) weeks postpartum. Data were assessed descriptively, and a content analysis was performed for open-ended questions. Sources of postpartum weight loss pressure included: Self-motivation (30%), Body Image Dissatisfaction (25%), Society (40%), Family (18%), Media (28%), and Other Postpartum Women (14%). Most (70%) participants were concerned about their postpartum weight, with 43% considering it very important to return to their pre-pregnancy weight. Participants commonly used exercise and nutrition as strategies for weight loss. These findings highlight the multifaceted sources of pressure women may face to conform to societal norms surrounding quick weight loss after childbirth. This study underscores the need for interventions to dismantle postpartum thin body ideals or celebration of rapid weight loss, and instead, encourage safe and inclusive management of postpartum weight retention.