Introduction
The transition to parenthood is a period characterized by significant changes—not only in lifestyle and behavior but also in body weight and composition. A newer understanding of these adjustments is essential as they can mark a critical point for the development of obesity and associated non-communicable diseases.
The TRANSPARENTS study, an acronym for “TRAcking Nutritional status and Parental Energy levelS in the TranSition to parenthood,” is set out to fill gaps in our understanding by examining couples as they go through the life-altering experience of becoming parents. This article will delve into an elaborate discussion of the study’s protocol, highlighting its significance, methodologies, and the potential impact on future parental health interventions.
Background
Obesity is a growing problem globally, with significant consequences for individual health and healthcare systems. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, affecting approximately 650 million adults in 2016 (WHO, 2016). Research emphasizes that life transitions, including parenthood, are susceptible periods for weight gain and changes in physical activity (Umberson et al., 2011).
For women, the metabolic shifts during and after pregnancy and the adverse effects of gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention are well-documented (Catalano & Ehrenberg, 2006; Chu et al., 2007). Less is known, however, about the specific energy balance-related behaviors (EBRB) that lead to undesirable weight gain and how fatherhood affects men’s weight and behavior.
The TRANSPARENTS Study
The TRANSPARENTS study is a multi-centre observational follow-up study that focuses on assessing body weight, body composition, and EBRB during the transition to parenthood (Deliens et al., 2019). Recruitment for the study includes heterosexual couples in their first trimester of pregnancy with their first child. The study consists of four visits (at 12 weeks of pregnancy, 6 weeks postpartum, 6 months postpartum, and 12 months postpartum). A range of anthropometrics will be measured, including body weight, heights/lengths for both parents and newborns, bio-electrical impedance analysis, skinfold thickness measurements, and waist and hip circumference.
Additionally, a questionnaire will assess dietary intake, physical activity, sedentary behavior, smoking habits, sleep patterns, fatigue, diet and exercise-related partner support, mental health, breastfeeding, contraception use, and socio-demographics. For an objective assessment of physical activity and sedentary behavior, accelerometry will be used. Multilevel modeling is intended to evaluate the dynamics of weight, composition, and EBRB, while regression analyses aim to pinpoint predictive factors.
Importance of the Study
The insights garnered from TRANSPARENTS may prove to be invaluable. They not only stand to improve our fundamental understanding of how parenthood influences health behaviors but also provide a strong empirical basis for intervention strategies targeted at supporting new parents in leading healthy lifestyles. With obesity’s economic and health implications looming large, the need for such research is imperative.
Methodology
Anthropometry and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
The study’s measurement methods follow international standards for anthropometric assessment (Marfell-Jones et al., 2012). Participants’ weight and body composition are monitored using methods that provide a comprehensive insight into their physiological changes. The bioelectrical impedance analysis is utilized for a convenient and non-invasive estimation of body composition.
Accelerometry
Participants wear accelerometers to provide an objective assessment of their physical activity levels. This technology has been proven to allow for the accurate monitoring of day-to-day movement (Freedson et al., 1998).
Questionnaires
The questionnaires employed in the study cover a range of topics that reflect the participants’ lifestyle and behavior, including validated tools to assess nutrition and physical activity (Matthys et al., 2015; Matton et al., 2007).
Ethics Approval and Consent
Crucially, the study has received ethical approval from the leading Medical Ethics Committee of the University Hospital of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (UZ Brussel), among other non-leading Medical Ethics Committees (Deliens et al., 2019). Participation in the study is based on informed consent, ensuring that all personal data are managed confidentially and in compliance with the ethical standards.
Expected Outcomes and Implication
The TRANSPARENTS study is poised to determine how the transition to parenthood affects parents’ body weight, body composition, and energy balance-related behaviors. It can identify potential risk factors for postpartum weight retention, which in turn may aid in preventing obesity in this critical life period. A better understanding of EBRB can facilitate creating tailored interventions to assist new parents in maintaining or achieving a healthy lifestyle during this adaptation phase.
Future Directions
The results of TRANSPARENTS could influence public health messaging and policy, impacting interventions that are directed at familial environments. It’s not just about the individuals; it’s about creating a healthy start for the upcoming generation.
Discussion
The transition to parenthood is a pivotal moment in a person’s life that brings along significant physical, emotional, and behavioral changes. Focusing on EBRB during this phase is crucial as poor habits formed here can persist long-term, affecting the health of both parents and their children.
The TRANSPARENTS study is distinctive thanks to its inclusion of men, its focus on various EBRB, and the longitudinal design that offers a dynamic look at the progression of changes from pregnancy to postpartum.
Conclusion
The TRANSPARENTS study is setting a new standard in examining the nexus between parenthood and health behavior. It stands to provide insights that could form the cornerstone for interventions aimed at nurturing healthier families, thereby addressing some of the critical elements contributing to the ongoing obesity epidemic. Parents’ health behavior during pregnancy and after birth doesn’t just impact them—it creates the baseline health environment for their children, potentially influencing familial health across generations.
References
1. Deliens, T., et al. (2019). Body weight, body composition and energy balance related behavior during the transition to parenthood: study protocol of a multi-centre observational follow-up study (TRANSPARENTS). BMC Public Health, 19, 516. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6884-0
2. World Health Organization. (2016). Obesity and overweight. [Online] Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/
3. Umberson, D., et al. (2011). Parenthood and trajectories of change in body weight over the life course. Social Science & Medicine, 73(9), 1323–1331. DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.08.014
4. Catalano, P. M., & Ehrenberg, H. M. (2006). The short- and long-term implications of maternal obesity on the mother and her offspring. BJOG, 113(10), 1126-1133, DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2006.00989.x
5. Chu, S. Y., et al. (2007). Maternal obesity and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care, 30(8), 2070-2076. DOI: 10.2337/dc06-2559a
Keywords
1. Transition to Parenthood
2. Postpartum Weight Retention
3. Parental Health Behaviors
4. Energy Balance Related Behaviors
5. Body Composition Parenthood Study