Physical development, hormonal and peptide status in preschool and school-age children born to mothers with obesity

To determine features of physical development and hormonal status in preschool- and school-age children born to mothers with obesity.

A case-control single-center study included a group of 69 children (29 aged 5-6 years; 40 aged 14-16 years) born to mothers with body mass index (BMI)≥30 kg/m² before and during pregnancy (MO group). The control group included 61 children (27 aged 5-6 years; 34 aged 14-16 years) born to mothers with steady normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m²). Anthropometric measurements were analyzed using the World Health Organization (WHO) AnthroPlus program. In 59 children, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2), peptide YY (PYY), serotonin, leptin, and ghrelin levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis was performed.

We did not find any differences in height among children aged 5-6 years (p=0.42) and 14-16 years (p=0.12). Children in the MO group had higher weight Z-score and BMI Z-score (p<0.001). In children aged 5-6 years in the MO group, serum leptin was higher (p=0.03) and had a positive correlation with body weight and BMI. Ghrelin level was higher in adolescents of the MO group (p=0.03); however, there were no correlations with body weight (p>0.05). IGF-1, IGF-2, serotonin, and PYY did not show significant differences between the two groups (p>0.05).

Children born to mothers with obesity are more likely to suffer from obesity. However, more comprehensive studies on hormonal profiles are needed, incorporating an analysis of additional factors.