Title of project

Post Partum Weight Retention and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

In many women, a pregnancy is followed by a postpartum weight gain which is a marker of subsequent weight gain in years after pregnancy as well. Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) is defined as the difference in body weight before pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth and is a marker of fat tissue expansion during pregnancy. The present study explores the genetic causes and the consequences of PPWR with particular focus on risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Previous studies have shown that genetic factors influence both body mass index (BMI), weight changes, and risk of T2D. The key question in the present study is what role these genetic factors play in development of PPWR and its possible association with later T2D.

We aim to evaluate 1) the relationship between PPWR and the woman’s risk of developing T2D, 2) the genetics behind PPWR and explore the impact on weight changes, and 3) if PPWR is causally related to risk of T2D by using genetics of PPWR as instruments. The study population comprises the 100,000 pregnant women originally included in the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC). Women with information on PPWR will be followed-up regarding development of T2D. Nested within the cohort, we will conduct a combined exploratory and targeted genome-wide association study (GWAS), taking advantage of the already known single nucleotide variants (SNVs) associated with BMI, weight changes and T2D risk. This data will allow analyses addressing the specified aims and will thereby inform guidelines about improving the metabolic health of the women after having given birth to their children.