Does healthy weight loss in mums-to-be have long-term health benefits for the child?

The influence of a complex intervention of diet and physical activity in obese pregnant women on the cardiometabolic phenotype of 3 year old children; analysis of the UPBEAT trial (Miss Kathryn Dalrymple)

Obesity is increasing among mothers-to-be worldwide. Obesity in pregnancy can have negative short- and long-term effects on the heart health and blood pressure of the child, and increases their chance of being obese too. It is vital that we understand in detail how obesity in pregnancy causes these effects on the child and we must identify exactly how to help mothers-to-be take steps to protect the health of their unborn child. Professor Poston wants to track the health of children whose mothers took part in a study called UPBEAT. This was a clinical trial of more than 1,500 obese pregnant women, half of whom worked with health trainers to improve their diet and do more exercise. These women achieved a healthier weight and their six-month old babies were also a healthier weight than those whose obese mums didn’t improve their lifestyle. Now, Professor Poston’s PhD student will find out if the children – now aged three – of mothers who lost weight are still a healthier weight, and also if their blood pressure is lower. This will be the first study to ask if the effects of healthy lifestyle changes in obese pregnant women remain in children beyond six months. It could help to inform midwifery and GP services, and give more insights into how a mother’s lifestyle conditions may have long-term consequences.