Developmental programming by maternal obesity in 2015: Outcomes, mechanisms, and potential interventions

Area of Science:

• Developmental programming
• Maternal health
• Public health

Background:

• Obesity in women of child-bearing age is a growing global health concern.
• Maternal body mass index (BMI) is linked to offspring adiposity and later-life metabolic disease.
• The early life environment is a critical target for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in understanding developmental programming due to maternal obesity.
• To focus on cardiometabolic disease and the central control of appetite and behavior in offspring.
• To identify potential intervention strategies for mitigating the effects of maternal obesity.

Main Methods:

• Review of animal models investigating physiological outcomes of in utero exposure to maternal obesity.
• Analysis of key mediating factors such as leptin, insulin, and ghrelin.
• Exploration of evidence for lifestyle and pharmacological interventions.

Main Results:

• Maternal obesity in utero can lead to developmental programming affecting offspring cardiometabolic health.
• Hormones like leptin, insulin, and ghrelin play significant roles in mediating these programming effects.
• Animal models provide insights into mechanisms and potential interventions.

Conclusions:

• Early life interventions targeting maternal obesity are crucial for improving long-term public health.
• Understanding the mechanisms of developmental programming can inform targeted strategies.
• Further research into lifestyle and pharmacological interventions is warranted.