Investigation of Increased Physical Activity During the Postpartum Period on Weight Loss, Body Composition, and Energy Expenditure

The overall goal of this study is to investigate the impact of increased physical activity during the postpartum period on on weight loss, body composition, energy expenditure, and body image perceptions following pregnancy and childbirth. Specifically, this study utilizes a mixed methods approach including qualitative and quantitative analyses of the physiological and sociological determinants of postpartum women's health and wellness, The primary objective of the proposed project is to assess the impact of a physical activity intervention on postpartum women\'s ability to return to pre-pregnancy body weight, the resumption of normal activity and bodily function, and the improvement of body image. This objective will be achieved via the assessment of quantitative, physiological markers (i.e. physical activity level, body composition, energy expenditure, and hormone levels), as well as qualitative, sociological markers (i.e. self-report and interview data related to body image and bodily recovery) that serve as a measure of a postpartum body that has resumed relatively normal physical function and activity.