Pre-Pregnancy Weight and Smoking Status Associated with Childhood Overweight

Women who were overweight or smoked before pregnancy are more likely to have overweight children, a new study found, with a 47% greater risk of overweight seen in the children of smokers. 

In a meta-analysis of 30 prospective studies following children from birth, researchers from the University of Nottingham Innovation Park in England found that along with maternal overweight and smoking status, high birth weight and rapid weight gain after birth were also significantly associated with childhood overweight. 

Researchers also noted a 15% decrease in the odds of overweight in children who were breastfed.  Early introduction to solid foods was associated with increased risk of overweight. 

These results showed that "several risk factors for overweight and obesity in childhood are identifiable during infancy," researchers wrote. “Future research needs to focus on whether it is clinically feasible for healthcare professionals to identify infants at greatest risk.”

-Michael Potts