This study is a literature review of factors determining postpartum weight gain retention. According to the literature, the main factors include gestational weight gain and intensity of lactation. Various studies show that the greater the weight gain during pregnancy, the greater the postpartum weight retention. Smoking was associated with lower retention, while lactation only demonstrated a protective effect against weight retention in some studies. Various factors, like physical activity, food consumption, age at menarche, number of abortions, and mother's work status have still not been properly studied. The conclusion is that there are few studies on postpartum weight changes, suggesting the need for new research on the theme, especially in developing countries where obesity has been insufficiently researched thus far.
Obesity; Weight Gain; Body Weight; Prospective Studies