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Pre-pregnancy and pregnancy obesity and neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring: a systematic review

R J Van Lieshout1, V H Taylor, M H Boyle

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. vanlierj@mcmaster.ca

Obesity Reviews : an Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity
|March 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Maternal obesity during pregnancy may increase offspring risks for cognitive, behavioral, and emotional issues. This includes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, eating disorders, and psychotic disorders later in life.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Reproductive Health

Background:

  • Maternal obesity during pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes for both mother and child.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a connection between maternal obesity and fetal/newborn central nervous system issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review existing studies on the association between maternal overweight/obesity during pregnancy and offspring cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of 12 eligible studies was conducted.
  • Studies examined a broad spectrum of offspring outcomes across different life stages.

Main Results:

  • Eight of the reviewed studies provided evidence of a link between maternal obesity and offspring neurodevelopmental issues.
  • Offspring of obese pregnancies may face higher risks for cognitive deficits and ADHD symptoms in childhood.
  • Increased risks extend to eating disorders in adolescence and psychotic disorders in adulthood.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest a potential increased risk for offspring neurodevelopmental, behavioral, and emotional problems associated with maternal obesity.
  • Further research is warranted due to existing data limitations and the global obesity epidemic.

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