To our knowledge, this was the first adequately powered
randomized trial to test the effects of a behavioral lifestyle intervention
during pregnancy to reduce excessive gestational
weight gains and postpartum weight retention inNWand OW/OB
women. This study showed that it was possible to promote
adherence to IOM recommendations in NW women by a lowintensity
behavioral intervention that aimed to decrease high-fat
foods and increase physical activity and daily self-monitoring of
eating, exercise, and weight. The intervention had no significant
effect on OW/OB women during pregnancy; however, by 6 mo
postpartum, the intervention had increased the percentages of
NW and OW/OB women who returned to their preconception
weights.