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Maternal smoking during pregnancy and childhood obesity

Rüdiger von Kries1, André Michael Toschke, Berthold Koletzko

  • 1Institute of Social Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany. ag.epi@LRZ.uni-muenchen.de

American Journal of Epidemiology
|November 7, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Maternal smoking during pregnancy is linked to higher risks of childhood overweight and obesity. This study found a dose-dependent relationship, indicating that increased smoking by mothers during pregnancy raises the likelihood of these conditions in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a known risk factor for adverse child health outcomes.
  • Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern with long-term health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and the risk of childhood overweight and obesity.
  • To determine if there is a dose-dependent relationship between smoking intensity and childhood obesity risk.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study utilizing data from school entry health examinations in Bavaria, Germany (1999-2000).
  • Included 6,483 German children aged 5.00-6.99 years.
  • Defined overweight (BMI > 90th percentile) and obesity (BMI > 97th percentile).
  • Assessed maternal smoking habits during pregnancy as the primary exposure.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of overweight and obesity increased with maternal smoking levels: never smoked, <10 cigarettes/day, and ≥10 cigarettes/day.
  • Adjusted odds ratios were 1.43 for overweight and 2.06 for obesity in children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy.
  • A dose-dependent association was observed, with higher smoking levels correlating with increased risk.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy is significantly associated with an increased risk of childhood overweight and obesity.
  • The findings suggest that intrauterine exposure to smoke products, rather than lifestyle factors, is the likely cause.
  • Public health interventions targeting smoking cessation during pregnancy are crucial for preventing childhood obesity.

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