Pre-pregnancy maternal overweight and obesity increase the risk for affective disorders in offspring

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity is a growing concern.
• Previous research suggests links to early childhood behavioral issues.
• The long-term impact on offspring affective disorders remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between maternal pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) and affective problems in offspring.
• To examine the developmental trajectory of these problems from childhood through adolescence.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study.
• Calculated maternal pre-pregnancy BMI from self-reported weight and measured height.
• Assessed offspring affective problems using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-oriented scales (Child Behavior Checklist) at ages 5, 8, 10, 14, and 17 years.
• Applied longitudinal models to analyze the relationship, adjusting for confounders like paternal BMI.

Main Results:

• Offspring of mothers who were overweight or obese pre-pregnancy exhibited a significantly higher risk of affective problems.
• This increased risk was observed across childhood and adolescence (ages 5-17).
• The association persisted after controlling for paternal BMI and other confounders.

Conclusions:

• Maternal pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity are potential risk factors for the development of affective problems, including depression, in offspring.
• These findings highlight the importance of preconception maternal health for long-term child mental well-being.
• Further research into the mechanisms underlying this association is warranted.