University of South Australia Finds Link Between Maternal Obesity and Child Mental Health Issues
New research from the University of South Australia shows that children born to obese mothers both before and during pregnancy are more likely to experience neuropsychiatric and behavioral disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
According to the study, there is a correlation between maternal preconception obesity or overweight and a higher chance of conduct disorder, psychotic disorder, ADHD, ASD, and externalizing symptoms. There is also a 30% higher risk of peer relationship issues.
Lead researcher Dr. Bereket Duko from UniSA says the study provides new insights into the long-term impact of maternal body weight on child mental health. Dr. Duko states, “Maternal obesity has long been associated with a range of adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth, low birthweight, and stillbirth, and it is also linked with macrosomia, or high birthweight.”
“In this study, we examined maternal overweight and obesity before and during pregnancy, finding that both are significantly linked with psychiatric and behavioral problems in children later in life, specifically ASD, ADHD, and peer relationship problems,” Dr. Duko adds.
Given the rising global obesity rates among women of reproductive age and the growing numbers of children identified with neurodiverse conditions, it’s important to acknowledge the potential long-term consequences of maternal adiposity on child mental health.
In Australia, about one in 150 people have ASD, with more than 8% of children aged 4-11 diagnosed with ADHD. Globally, one in eight people live with obesity.
Dr. Duko emphasizes the need for interventions targeting maternal weight management before and during pregnancy. “Public health efforts that target improving maternal health could help mitigate some of the risks of neuropsychiatric and behavioral disorders in children,” Dr. Duko says. “While further research is needed to explore the biological mechanisms underlying these associations, the findings stress the need for health interventions that promote healthy living and weight among parents-to-be.”
Doubts Revealed
University of South Australia -: The University of South Australia is a big school in Australia where people go to learn and do research.
Maternal Obesity -: Maternal obesity means that a mother is very overweight before or during her pregnancy.
Child Mental Health Issues -: Child mental health issues are problems with how a child thinks, feels, or behaves, like being very sad or having trouble paying attention.
Neuropsychiatric Disorders -: Neuropsychiatric disorders are problems with the brain that affect how someone thinks and acts, like ADHD and ASD.
ADHD -: ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which makes it hard for kids to sit still and pay attention.
ASD -: ASD stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder, which affects how kids communicate and interact with others.
Conduct Disorder -: Conduct disorder is when kids have trouble following rules and might act out in harmful ways.
Psychotic Disorder -: Psychotic disorder is a serious mental health problem where someone might see or hear things that aren’t real.
Peer Relationship Issues -: Peer relationship issues mean having trouble making or keeping friends.
Dr. Bereket Duko -: Dr. Bereket Duko is a scientist who studies how being very overweight can affect mothers and their children.
Maternal Weight Management -: Maternal weight management means making sure mothers stay at a healthy weight before and during pregnancy.
