Objectives. To systematically review the evidence from prospective and retrospective cohort studies on the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and offspring's body weight. Methods. Electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Academic Search Premiere were searched from inception through March 18, 2013. Included studies (n = 23) were English articles that examined the independent associations of GWG with body mass index (BMI) and/or overweight status in the offspring aged 2 to 18.9 years. Two authors independently extracted the data and assessed methodological quality of the included studies. Results. Evidence from cohort studies supports that total GWG and exceeding the Institute of Medicine maternal weight gain recommendation were associated with higher BMI z-score and elevated risk of overweight or obesity in offspring. The evidence of high rate of GWG during early- and mid-pregnancy is suggestive. Additionally, the evidence on inadequate GWG and net GWG in relation to body weight outcomes in offspring is insufficient to draw conclusions. Conclusions. These findings suggest that GWG is a potential risk factor for childhood obesity. However, findings should be interpreted with caution due to measurement issues of GWG and potential confounding effects of shared familial characteristics (i.e., genetics and maternal and child's lifestyle factors).

A majority of intervention studies to help increase older adult PA used self-report measures, even though many have little evidence of validity and reliability. We recommend that future researchers utilise valid and reliable measures of PA with well-established evidence of psychometric properties such as hip-accelerometers and the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults.

Background. Increasing evidence suggests that vigorous physical activity (VPA) in youth may yield greater health benefits than moderate (MPA) or moderate-tovigorous physical activity (MVPA). The purpose of this review was to assess the relationship between PA intensity and body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and cardiometabolic (CM) biomarkers in youth. Methods. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies examining PA intensity and selected health outcomes in youth aged 6 to 18 years. Fortyfive articles were selected for final review. Results. VPA was more strongly associated with reduced body fat and central adiposity compared with MPA and/or MVPA. Additionally, VPA was more strongly associated with increased CRF when compared with lower intensities. Findings were inconclusive between all PA intensity levels and CM biomarkers, and several significant relationships observed for VPA were attenuated when controlling for CRF. Conclusions. A potential VPA dose is identified as yielding favorable health benefits in adiposity and fitness. While CM biomarkers were not consistently associated with PA intensity level, the literature suggests VPA may yield health benefits above those received from MPA for reduced adiposity and improved CRF. This review highlights the need for longitudinal observational and experimental studies to determine optimal VPA dose for CM health in youth.

The reporting of measurement properties and the use of valid and reliable measurement scales need to be improved considerably.