Peer-reviewed article

Compliance with the 'Japanese food guide spinning top' for pregnancy and lactation and weight gain during pregnancy.

Doi R, Kobayashi M, Ogawa K, Jwa SC, Fujiwara T et al. · 3 Aug 2026

Abstract

In Japan, a version of the Japanese Food Guide, specifically developed for pregnancy and lactation (JFGST-P/L), promotes healthy dietary habits. In the mid- to-late stages of pregnancy, it is especially important to consume the recommended additional calories and nutrients. Adherence to these guidelines also plays a key role in achieving appropriate gestational weight gain (GWG). This study investigated the relationship between adherence to these guidelines and GWG among women in the mid- to late stages of pregnancy. Data were obtained from the Maternal and Child Cohort Study, conducted at the National Center for Child Health and Development (Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan). The degree of adherence to the JFGST-P/L was evaluated using scores calculated from responses to a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The participants were classified into quartiles (Q1-Q4) based on their adherence scores. GWG was classified as inadequate, adequate, or excessive according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare guidelines. The degree of JFGST-P/L adherence was divided into quartiles, and a multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed. Furthermore, the Q1 group was compared with the Q2-Q4 groups to examine the association with the risk of insufficient GWG. In the quartile analysis, no clear dose-response relationship was observed between JFGST-P/L adherence and GWG. Conversely, among Q1, an increased risk of insufficient GWG was noted compared to the Q2-Q4 group (Unadjusted OR 1.389, 95%CI 1.008-1.913). In this study, the lowest degree of adherence to the JFGST-P/L among pregnant women was associated with inadequate GWG.