Parvathy Pillai’s research while affiliated with University of Wisconsin–Stout and other places

Importance: Weight gain during pregnancy affects obesity risk in offspring. Objective: To assess weight gain among UW Health prenatal patients and to identify predictors of unhealthy gestational weight gain. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of women delivering at UW Health during 2007-2012. Data are from the UW eHealth Public Health Information Exchange (PHINEX) project. The proportion of women with excess and insufficient (ie, unhealthy) gestational weight gain was computed based on 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with excess and insufficient gestational weight gain. Results: Gestational weight gain of 7,385 women was analyzed. Fewer than 30% of prenatal patients gained weight in accordance with Institute of Medicine guidelines. Over 50% of women gained excess weight and 20% gained insufficient weight during pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy weight and smoking status predicted excess weight gain. Maternal age, race/ethnicity, smoking status, and having Medicaid insurance predicted insufficient weight gain. Conclusions and relevance: Unhealthy weight gain during pregnancy is the norm for Wisconsin women. Clinical and community interventions that promote healthy weight gain during pregnancy will not only improve the health of mothers, but also will reduce the risk of obesity in the next generation.

Importance: Weight gain during pregnancy affects obesity risk in offspring. Objective: To assess weight gain among UW Health prenatal patients and to identify predictors of unhealthy gestational weight gain. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of women delivering at UW Health during 2007-2012. Data are from the UW eHealth Public Health Information Exchange (PHINEX) project. The proportion of women with excess and insufficient (ie, unhealthy) gestational weight gain was computed based on 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with excess and insufficient gestational weight gain. Results: Gestational weight gain of 7,385 women was analyzed. Fewer than 30% of prenatal patients gained weight in accordance with Institute of Medicine guidelines. Over 50% of women gained excess weight and 20% gained insufficient weight during pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy weight and smoking status predicted excess weight gain. Maternal age, race/ethnicity, smoking status, and having Medicaid insurance predicted insufficient weight gain. Conclusions and relevance: Unhealthy weight gain during pregnancy is the norm for Wisconsin women. Clinical and community interventions that promote healthy weight gain during pregnancy will not only improve the health of mothers, but also will reduce the risk of obesity in the next generation.

Importance: A comprehensive obesity surveillance system monitors obesity rates along with causes and related health policies, which are valuable for tracking and identifying problems needing intervention. Methods: A statewide obesity dashboard was created using the County Health Rankings model. Indicators were obtained through publicly available secondary data sources and used to rank Wisconsin amongst other states on obesity rates, health factors, and policies. Results: Wisconsin consistently ranks in the middle of states for a majority of indicators and has not implemented any of the evidence-based health policies. Conclusions and relevance: This state of obesity report shows Wisconsin has marked room for improvement regarding obesity prevention, especially with obesity-related health policies. Physicians and health care systems can play a pivotal role in making progress on obesity prevention.

Importance: A comprehensive obesity surveillance system monitors obesity rates along with causes and related health policies, which are valuable for tracking and identifying problems needing intervention. Methods: A statewide obesity dashboard was created using the County Health Rankings model. Indicators were obtained through publicly available secondary data sources and used to rank Wisconsin amongst other states on obesity rates, health factors, and policies. Results: Wisconsin consistently ranks in the middle of states for a majority of indicators and has not implemented any of the evidence-based health policies. Conclusions and relevance: This state of obesity report shows Wisconsin has marked room for improvement regarding obesity prevention, especially with obesity-related health policies. Physicians and health care systems can play a pivotal role in making progress on obesity prevention.