Overall gestational weight gain mediates the relationship between maternal and child obesity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Approximately 17% of children in the U.S. are obese. Children that are overweight or obese are also more likely to be obese as adults and suffer from various chronic diseases and premature death. Maternal obesity can affect the weight status of her offspring through intrauterine mechanisms like excessive gestational weight gain (GWG). Current literature shows a positive association between maternal weight status and GWG on child obesity, yet the direct and indirect effects have not been decomposed or quantified. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of maternal obesity on child obesity, mediated by GWG, which is a modifiable risk factor.

Methods

The study participants were a birth cohort of offspring from women who received prenatal care in the Duke

SUBMITTER: Josey MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6686549 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature