Gestational weight gain and childhood body mass index across three generations: Results from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort

Abstract

Summary Background Gestational weight gain (GWG) has been associated with the accumulation of body fat in offspring, but little is known about the intergenerational relationship. Objective To assess the effect of GWG in grandmothers and mothers on the child's body mass index (BMI). Methods This is a sub‐study nested in the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort at 22 years follow‐up visit. We calculated the BMI‐for‐age z‐score (BAZ) and evaluated overweight (>2 SD in ≤5 years of age and >1 SD for >5 years of age for BAZ). Grandmothers' and mothers' GWG were calculated as the difference between weight in the beginning of pregnancy and the last recorded weight before delivery. We standardized the GWG by adjusting for pre‐gestational BMI. We also categorized GWG as adequate, excessive, or insufficient, in accordance with the Institute of Medicine (2009). Linear and logistic regressions stratified by child's age (≤2 years; 2.01‐5 years; >5 years) were used. Structural equations were modelled to calculate the total, indirect, and direct effects of grandmothers' and mothers' GWG on children's BAZ. Results Nine hundred and forty‐six out of 1113 children evaluated were 5 years of age or under. There was an indirect effect (through maternal birthweight, maternal pre‐gestational BMI, maternal GWG, and child birthweight) of grandmother GWG on grandchild BAZ, from 2.01 to 5 years of age [β = 0.12 95%CI: 0.04‐0.20 (P < 0.01)]. Maternal GWG directly increased the child's BAZ at >5 years of age [β = 0.34 95%CI: 0.15‐0.53 (P < 0.001)]. Conclusions GWG's effect on BMI does seem to be transmitted across three generations. Managing this will require health education during the gestational period for women and their families.

Decreased Fatty Acid Transporter FABP1 and Increased Isoprostanes and Neuroprostanes in the Human Term Placenta: Implications for Inflammation and Birth Weight in Maternal Pre-Gestational Obesity

“…Obesity in adults and in children has reached epidemic proportions in Brazil [ 2 ] and worldwide [ 3 ]. Therefore, the rise in prevalence of obesity in women of reproductive age in both developed and developing countries might propagate intergenerational cycles of detrimental effects on metabolic health, contributing to substantial economic burden on society [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ] and highlighting the necessity of determining the mechanisms involved.…”

Decreased Fatty Acid Transporter FABP1 and Increased Isoprostanes and Neuroprostanes in the Human Term Placenta: Implications for Inflammation and Birth Weight in Maternal Pre-Gestational Obesity

“…Obesity in Brazil [2] and worldwide [3] has reached epidemic proportions, in adults and in children. Therefore, the rise in prevalence of obesity in women of reproductive age in both developed and developing countries might propagate intergenerational cycles of detrimental effects on metabolic health, contributing to substantial economic burden on society [4][5][6][7] and highlighting the necessity of determining the mechanisms involved.…”

Association between gestational weight gain and risk of overweight at 3 years old: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

“…[7][8][9][10][11] Previous cohort studies, including meta-analysis have established an association between excessive GWG and a high risk of overweight/obesity at 2-5 years of age, compared to adequate weight gain, based on the US Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2009 guidelines. 7,8,10 In addition, inadequate GWG is associated with a low risk 7 and no risk of overweight/obesity at 2-5 years of age. 8,10 In addition, it is necessary to examine the impact of GWG on children with overweight among Japanese or other Asian women.…”

“…[4][5][6] However, the association between GWG and the risk of children with overweight remains controversial. [7][8][9][10][11] Previous cohort studies, including meta-analysis have established an association between excessive GWG and a high risk of overweight/obesity at 2-5 years of age, compared to adequate weight gain, based on the US Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2009 guidelines. 7,8,10 In addition, inadequate GWG is associated with a low risk 7 and no risk of overweight/obesity at 2-5 years of age.…”

“…7,8,10 In addition, inadequate GWG is associated with a low risk 7 and no risk of overweight/obesity at 2-5 years of age. 8,10 In addition, it is necessary to examine the impact of GWG on children with overweight among Japanese or other Asian women. Prevalence of overweight among Asian women aged 20-39 years was lower than other race/ethnicity groups.…”