Perinatal factors and their influence on childhood obesity: a case-control study

Background. The aetiology of childhood obesity is complex. It involves the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Obstetric complications have been associated with the development of mental disorder and other medical conditions. The aim of this research is to study the association between perinatal complications and childhood obesity. Methods. We present data from a case-control study composed of 60 mothers of obese children and 92 mothers of healthy control children between 8-12 years. We interviewed the mothers and we studied obstetric complications with the Lewis –Murray Scale. We compared the two groups with chi - square analysis and odds ratios. Results. We found a higher prevalence of obstetric complications in delivery in the group with obesity. The most frequent obstetric complication was emergency caesarean; a significant difference was shown with the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Obstetric complications are related to the development of childhood obesity. It is important to study the perinatal period as a relevant factor, in order to develop and implement prevention programs.