OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility and effectiveness of a web-based lifestyle intervention based on the Diabetes Prevention Program modified for women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus to reduce postpartum weight retention. METHODS: We randomly allocated 75 women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus to either a web-based lifestyle program (Balance after Baby) delivered over the first postpartum year or to a control group. Primary outcomes were change in body weight at 12 months from (1) first postpartum measured weight; and (2) self-reported prepregnancy weight. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between groups including age, body mass index, race, and income status. Women assigned to the Balance after Baby program (n = 36, three lost to follow-up) lost a mean of 2.8 kg (95% confidence interval -4.8 to -0.7) from 6 weeks to 12 months postpartum, whereas the control group (n = 39, one lost to follow-up) gained a mean of 0.5 kg (-1.4 to +2.4) (p = 0.022). Women in the intervention were closer to prepregnancy weight at 12 months postpartum (mean change -0.7 kg; -3.5 to +2.2) compared with women in the control arm (+4.0 kg; +1.3 to +6.8) (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: A web-based lifestyle modification program for women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus decreased postpartum weight retention. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01158131. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.
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