Effect of Exercise Training on Breastmilk Composition

Exercised Breastmilk: A Randomised Controlled Trial on the Effect of Exercise Training During Lactation on Breastmilk Composition

The aim of this trial is to investigate whether regular endurance exercise during the lactation period will influence breastmilk composition among individuals with overweight/obesity, and secondarily to assess if such changes impact the growth and health of the infants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female
• Aged 18 years or older
• Body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 pre-pregnancy and/or BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 postpartum
• Given birth to a singleton term (after 37 weeks + 0 days) baby
• 6-7 weeks postpartum at time of inclusion
• Exclusively breastfeeding the baby (no other foods are given) and intend to continue this practice for ≥ 8 weeks at inclusion
• Understands oral and written Norwegian

Exclusion Criteria:

• On-going pregnancy
• Known type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Known cardiovascular disease
• High intensity exercise more than twice weekly the last three months before inclusion and/or an intention to start regular endurance training within the next 8 weeks at baseline