In a welcome finding, researchers have found that women who have had gestational diabetes can use the popular 5:2 diet for weight loss to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
It can be a challenge to lose weight and keep it off, especially for mothers with a new baby. The study by the University of South Australia suggests that the popular 5:2 or intermittent fasting diet is as effective as a conventional energy-restricting diet, giving women greater choice and flexibility for weight loss.
The 5:2 diet allows five days of normal eating each week while substantially restricting calories over two days a week, as opposed to a typical diet that requires moderate energy restrictions daily.
A fifth of pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes, which carries a ten-fold risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, exacerbated even further by being overweight.
A welcome finding for a growing problem
The study’s lead researcher, Dr Kristy Gray, said women looking to lose weight will welcome the finding: “Gestational diabetes is the fastest growing type of diabetes in Australia, affecting 15% of pregnancies.
“Healthy eating and regular physical activity are recommended to manage gestational diabetes, with continuous energy restriction diets – or diets that cut calories by 25–30% being the most common strategy for weight loss and diabetes prevention.
“The trouble is, however, that new mums often put themselves last – they’re struggling with fatigue and juggling family responsibilities – so when it comes to weight loss, many find it hard to stick to a low-calorie diet.
“The 5:2 diet may provide a less overwhelming option. As it only cuts calories over two days, some women may find it easier to adopt and adhere to, as opposed to a consistently low-calorie diet requiring constant management.
“Our research shows that the 5:2 diet is just as effective at achieving weight loss as a continuous energy-restricted diet in women who have had gestational diabetes, which is great, because it provides women with greater choice and control,” she said, adding that women should seek advice from health professionals before starting the diet.
The research investigated the effects of both the 5:2 diet (five days eating normally and two days eating 500 calories) and a continuous energy-restricted diet (1500 calories per day) on weight loss and diabetes risk markers in women with a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Both diets cut energy intake by about 25% a week.
The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Source: University of South Australia
