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Background. Mothers with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a high risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the future. This progression can be attenuated by appropriate lifestyle interventions. We aimed to understand the perceptions of mothers with GDM and their healthcare workers regarding postpartum physical activity with a view to design a lifestyle intervention programme. Methods. We did this qualitative study in three selected districts of Sri Lanka. We also conducted six focus group discussions with 30 antenatal mothers with a history of GDM in a previous pregnancy, and six in-depth interviews with 3 postnatal nurses and 3 field midwives caring for postpartum mothers to explore their perceptions on postpartum physical exercises. Framework analysis was used to analyse the data. The transcripts were analysed using a Microsoft matrix and themes were generated. Results. Eight themes related to physical exercises emerged from both groups of participants. Two themes, 'Myths regarding postpartum physical activity' and 'Lack of awareness of the importance of postpartum physical activity' emerged from both groups of participants. Three themes, 'Time pressure', 'Stigma' and 'Child demands' emerged only from mothers while three themes, 'Traditional and cultural beliefs', 'Lack of influence from healthcare workers' and 'Lack of motivation' emerged solely from healthcare workers. Conclusions. The findings, especially the facilitators and barriers deserve the attention of health policy-makers when designing appropriate interventions to enhance postpartum physical exercises to attenuate the development of T2DM in women with GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity and its' comorbidities in young adults are emerging health concerns. Obesity is a well-known risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases, type -2 diabetes, carcinomas, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and gynecological complications. Young adulthood is considered the best time period to introduce weight control interventions as the established lifestyle behaviors may persist throughout life. Aims and Objectives: The present study assessed self-perception of body weight, knowledge and practices on obesity and weight reduction and their associated factors in a sample of treatment seeking obese young adults. Materials and Methods: Two-hundred and sixty-one obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg m-2) young (18-35 years) adults attending an out-patient nutrition clinic of a teaching hospital in Sri Lanka were studied. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and information on body weight perception and, knowledge and practices on obesity and weight reduction. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured. Results: The mean (±SD) BMI of the participants was 29.0 (±3.6) kg m-2. Only 16.1% precisely perceived themselves as 'obese' and increased BMI was only significant predictor of accurate body weight perception (OR=1.23; 95% CI = 1.07-1.47; p = 0.003). Only 49.0% reported obesity as a disease and 46.0 % and 27.2% that it predisposes to stroke and carcinoma respectively. Although 86.2% have attempted weight reduction, only 33.8% sought professional advice. Diet control was the most common weight reduction strategy (73.1%) and among them 33.3% combined with exercises. One fourth (n = 56) relied on green tea for weight reduction and meal skipping was reported in 52.9%. Conclusion: Significant body weight misperception was reported in lower BMI categories. The overall knowledge regarding obesity and weight reduction was satisfactory though not optimum. Diet control with or without physical exercises was the most popular method of weight reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a world health concern. Women with a history of GDM have a high prevalence of developing type two diabetes mellitus, recurrence of GDM, and impaired glucose intolerance in their future life. Physical activity (PA) is a key component to attenuate the development of these complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the PA patterns of GDM women at 6 weeks postpartum. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional component of a large quasi-experimental study was conducted in three selected districts of Sri Lanka in 100 postpartum mothers. Anthropometric and glycemic parameters were assessed at 6 weeks postpartum. Pre-tested International PA Questionnaire (short-version) was used to assess PA. The PA level and intensity were calculated in metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (METminutes/week). Data were analyzed by SPSS 21 version. Both continuous and categorical data were analyzed. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Results: Mean HbA1c value was 6.64 ± 1.95. Median truncated PA was 3250 MET-minutes/week. The main contributors to energy expenditure in the study sample were moderate intensity household activities and walking with 58% of mothers walking more than 150 min/week. Although in the categorical analysis, 52% of mothers reported high level of PA, only 10% participated in at least one vigorous intensity activity continuously for more than 10 min to achieve reduced metabolic risks. Average sitting time of mothers was about 3 h/day which is in par with the breast-feeding recommendation. None of the PA MET values significantly correlated with the glycemic parameter, HbA1c. Conclusion: Although it appears that majority of mothers are physically active, these activities are not optimum in terms of reducing the metabolic risk. We suggest designing exercise protocols incorporating day-to-day moderate intensity activities and walking in a structured and scientific manner to achieve maximum benefits for this special group of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]