Consistent delivery of healthy weight messages to pregnant and postpartum women: A local resource implementation evaluation commissioned by Public Health England

Maternal obesity increases the risk of a number of serious child and maternal complications. Currently 60% of women in England have excess weight, leading to more women entering pregnancy with excess weight: with around 50% of women being overweight when they become pregnant, and 1 in 5 women presenting with obesity at their 12 week booking appointment. Obesity (having a BMI over 30kg/m2) both during and before/after pregnancy is also associated with health inequalities, with a higher prevalence among older women, those residing in the most deprived areas, or of Black or Asian ethnicity. In 2018 Public Health England (PHE) commissioned a mapping of healthy weight services in England before, during and after pregnancy, which demonstrated a lack of services specifically targeting women of child bearing age with a higher BMI. This research highlighted the need for an increased focus on practitioner level action, and appropriate guidance to support professionals to take action to address maternal and child obesity. Concurrently, the PHE guidance: ‘Promoting a healthier weight for children, young people and families: consistent messaging’ was developed. This study evaluates the local implementation of this resource