(P20-073-25) Impact of Dietary Fiber Intake on Postpartum Adiposity

Objectives: To examine the relationship between dietary fiber intake and postpartum adiposity along with a mediation effect of adiponectin/leptin (A/L) ratio.

Methods: This secondary analysis of the UPSIDE Moms cohort study included 203 postpartum women with at least one 24-hour dietary recall and adiposity measures at 6 and 12 months postpartum. Mixed-effects and regression models were used to assess the relationships of absolute fiber intake, categorized by dietary guidelines of ≥ 25g/day, and adiposity outcomes (total and truncal fat percentages [%], body mass index [BMI], and waist circumference). Modifications by pre-pregnancy BMI (pBMI) were also assessed. The 6-month A/L ratio was explored as a mediator of fat percentages at 12 months. Models were adjusted for race, age, education, pBMI, gestational weight gain, gravidity, breastfeeding, energy intake, physical activity, and a z score of self-reported stress and depression.

Results: Adequate fiber intake was associated with lower total fat % (B = -1.20, 95% CI = [-2.29, -0.11], p = 0.03) and truncal fat % (B = -1.36, 95% CI = [-2.69, -0.02], p = 0.046) in the 6–12 months postpartum period. Cross-sectionally, adequate fiber intake was associated with lower total fat % (B = -4.34, 95% CI = [-6.53, -2.14], p < 0.001), truncal fat % (B = -5.44, 95% CI = [-8.19, -2.69], p < 0.001), and log BMI (B = -0.02, 95% CI = [-0.04, -0.001], p = 0.04) at 12 months. pBMI modified the relationship between adequate fiber intake and log BMI (p = 0.02) in the 6–12 months postpartum period, as well as total fat % (p = 0.04) and log BMI (p = 0.01) at 6 months. In general, women in the normal pBMI category with adequate fiber intake had lower postpartum total fat % and log BMI. The 6-month A/L ratio was found to mediate the association between adequate fiber intake at 6 months and fat percentages at 12 months.

Conclusions: Adequate fiber intake was associated with lower postpartum adiposity, while the association with BMI was particularly apparent in women with normal pBMI. The A/L ratio mediated the relationship between adequate fiber intake and subsequent adiposity. Our findings highlight the importance of following dietary guidance during the postpartum period.

Funding Sources: NINR, NICHD, NIHS, Office of the Director, NIEHS, Mae Stone Goode Foundation, UR School of Nursing, and Wynne Center for Family Research.