Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 9, 2026

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development
05:44

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development

Published on: May 17, 2024

1.2K

Parental Obesity and Early Childhood Development

Edwina H Yeung1, Rajeshwari Sundaram2, Akhgar Ghassabian3

  • 1Epidemiology Branch, yeungedw@mail.nih.gov.

Pediatrics
|January 4, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Maternal and paternal obesity are linked to specific childhood developmental delays. This highlights the need to consider parental health information when assessing child development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Previous research linked maternal obesity to neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Limited studies explored paternal obesity's distinct role in developmental programming.
  • Parental obesity may influence child development through genetic and epigenetic pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the associations between maternal and paternal obesity and early childhood developmental delays.
  • To examine specific developmental domains affected by parental obesity.
  • To emphasize the importance of family health information in developmental screening.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Upstate KIDS study (2008-2010).
  • Included 3759 singletons and 1062 nonrelated twins with developmental data.
  • Employed the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) for developmental screening across multiple time points.
  • Used generalized linear mixed models to analyze associations, adjusting for maternal covariates.

Main Results:

  • Maternal obesity (BMI ≥30) was associated with increased odds of fine motor delays (aOR 1.67).
  • Paternal obesity (29%) was linked to higher risk of personal-social domain delays (aOR 1.75).
  • Children with both parents having BMI ≥35 showed increased risk for problem-solving delays (aOR 2.93).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal and paternal obesity are independently associated with specific early childhood developmental delays.
  • Findings underscore the significance of incorporating parental health status into developmental assessments.
  • Family-level health data provides crucial context for understanding child development.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

28.0K
Palatable Western-style Cafeteria Diet as a Reliable Method for Modeling Diet-induced Obesity in Rodents09:10

Palatable Western-style Cafeteria Diet as a Reliable Method for Modeling Diet-induced Obesity in Rodents

Published on: November 1, 2019

11.7K

Related Concept Videos

Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in...
1.5K
Nature and Nurture01:10

Nature and Nurture

Many human characteristics, like height, are shaped by both nature—in other words, by our genes—and by nurture, or our environment. For example, chronic stress during childhood inhibits the production of growth hormones and consequently reduces bone growth and height. Scientists estimate that 70-90% of variation in height is due to genetic differences among individuals, and 10-30% of variation in height is due to differences in the environments that individuals experience,...
22.6K
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.2K
Signs of Puberty01:27

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
1.8K
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition01:27

Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition

Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
1.3K
Socioemotional Development during Infancy01:30

Socioemotional Development during Infancy

Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
1.0K