A much neglected part of the obesity epidemic is that it has
resulted in more overweight/obese women before and during
pregnancy. Their offspring also tend to have higher birth
weights and more body fat, and carry an increased risk of
obesity and chronic diseases later in life. However, the
nutritional factors and mechanisms involved pre and during
pregnancy that may influence child obesity remain uncertain. A
recent publication by ILSI Europe identifies and discusses key
contributing factors leading to obesity. In an article recently
published in Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, potential key
contributors to obesity, including nutrition, during and after
pregnancy were identified. Prenatal factors may include maternal
diet, gestational weight gain and metabolic perturbations during
pregnancy. Postnatal diet and feeding practices along with
activity patterns and family lifestyle may also modify or
determine the long-term health risks. A majority of clinical
studies have examined maternal dietary informatio