In our study, postpartum exercise resulted in a tenden- cy to increase self-esteem. Self-esteem was the link ex- plaining the relationship between depression and body image, with lower esteem associated with negative body attitude [23]. Many new mothers are confronted with a gap between the actual appearance of their body after childbirth and their expected postpartum weight and body changes. A previous study suggested that mothers’ body satisfaction worsened from 1 to 9 months post-par- tum, and that body dissatisfaction was associated with worse mental health [24]. Another intervention study de- monstrated that pregnant adolescents who participated in an aerobic exercise program showed a significant de- crease in depressive symptoms over time and an increase in total self-esteem [25]. Thus, it is important to encour- age mothers to enhance postpartum self-esteem.