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Effects of maternal obesity on fetal growth and body composition: implications for programming and future health

Dilys J Freeman1

  • 1Developmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Glasgow, 2nd Floor McGregor Building, Western Infirmary, Dumbarton Road, Glasgow G11 6NT, UK. d.freeman@clinmed.gla.ac.uk

Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
|October 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Maternal obesity during pregnancy may program offspring for future obesity and metabolic diseases. This programming involves genetic and in-utero environmental factors influencing fetal development and long-term health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Metabolic disease research
  • Public health nutrition

Background:

  • The link between early life factors and later disease risk is well-established.
  • Rising rates of maternal obesity highlight the need to understand its impact on offspring.
  • Previous research focused on cardiovascular disease, but now obesity origins are a key concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the concept of "obesity programming" in early development.
  • To explore potential mechanisms linking maternal obesity to offspring obesity.
  • To discuss how this programming may increase susceptibility to metabolic and vascular diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on obesity programming.
  • Analysis of studies on maternal metabolism in obese pregnancies.
  • Examination of offspring outcomes, including body fat percentage and insulin resistance.

Main Results:

  • Maternal obesity during pregnancy is associated with disturbed maternal metabolism.
  • Offspring of obese mothers exhibit higher body fat percentages and insulin resistance.
  • A complex interplay of genetics and the in-utero environment likely drives obesity programming.

Conclusions:

  • Early life, particularly the in-utero environment, plays a critical role in programming future obesity.
  • Understanding these programming mechanisms is crucial for preventing obesity and related metabolic diseases.
  • Interventions targeting maternal health before and during pregnancy may mitigate long-term risks for offspring.

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