Maternal smoking and risk of obesity in school children: Investigating early life theory from the GRECO study

The links between parental smoking and childhood obesity: data of the longitudinal study of Australian children

Childhood obesity is one of the most concerning public health issues globally and its implications in mortality and morbidity in adulthood are increasingly important. This study uses a unique dataset of Australian children aged 4-16 to examine the impact of parental smoking on childhood obesity. It confirms a significant link between parental smoking (stronger for mothers) and higher obesity risk in children, regardless of income, age, family size, or birth order. Importantly, we explore whether heightened preference for unhealthy foods can mediate the effect of parental smoking. Our findings suggest that increased consumption of unhealthy foods among children can be associated with parental smoking.

Early ascending growth is associated with maternal lipoprotein profile during mid and late pregnancy and in cord blood

INTRODUCTION

Intrauterine conditions and accelerating early growth are associated with childhood obesity. It is unknown, whether fetal programming affects the early growth and could alterations in the maternal-fetal metabolome be the mediating mechanism. Therefore, we aimed to assess the associations between maternal and cord blood metabolite profile and offspring early growth.

METHODS

The RADIEL study recruited 724 women at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and/or prior GDM) before or in early pregnancy. Blood samples were collected once in each trimester, and from cord. Metabolomics were analyzed by targeted nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique. Following up on offsprings' first 2 years growth, we discovered 3 distinct growth profiles (ascending n = 80, intermediate n = 346, and descending n = 146) by using latent class mixed models (lcmm).

RESULTS

From the cohort of mother-child dyads with available growth profile data (n = 572), we have metabolomic data from 232 mothers from 1st trimester, 271 from 2nd trimester, 277 from 3rd trimester and 345 from cord blood. We have data on 220 metabolites in each trimester and 70 from cord blood. In each trimester of pregnancy, the mothers of the ascending group showed higher levels of VLDL and LDL particles, and lower levels of HDL particles (p < 0.05). When adjusted for gestational age, birth weight, sex, delivery mode, and maternal smoking, there was an association with ascending profile and 2nd trimester total cholesterol in HDL2, 3rd trimester total cholesterol in HDL2 and in HDL, VLDL size and ratio of triglycerides to phosphoglycerides (TG/PG ratio) in cord blood (p ≤ 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Ascending early growth was associated with lower maternal total cholesterol in HDL in 2nd and 3rd trimester, and higher VLDL size and more adverse TG/PG ratio in cord blood.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, http://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

com , NCT01698385.

The Association of Maternal Weight Status throughout the Life-Course with the Development of Childhood Obesity: A Secondary Analysis of the Healthy Growth Study Data

Maternal weight-status at various time-points may influence child obesity development, however the most critical time-point remains unidentified. We used data from the Healthy Growth Study, a cross-sectional study of 2666 Greek schoolchildren aged 9-13 years, exploring associations between childhood obesity and maternal weight-status at pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy/gestational weight gain, and at the child's pre-adolescence. Logistic regression analyses examined associations between maternal weight-status being "below" or "above" the recommended cut-off points (WHO BMI thresholds or IOM cut-off points), at the three time-points, individually or combined into weight-status trajectory groups to determine the strongest associations with child obesity in pre-adolescence. Adjusted models found significant associations and the highest odds ratios [95% Confidence Intervals] for mothers affected by obesity before pregnancy (4.16 [2.47, 7.02]), those with excessive gestational weight gain during pregnancy (1.50 [1.08, 2.08]), and those affected by obesity at their child's pre-adolescence (3.3 [2.29, 4.87]). When combining these weight-status groups, mothers who were above-above-below (3.24 [1.10, 9.55]), and above-above-above (3.07 [1.95, 4.85]) the healthy weight recommendation-based thresholds in each time-point, had a three-fold higher likelihood of child obesity, compared to the below-below-below trajectory group. Maternal obesity across all examined time-points was significantly associated with childhood obesity. Effective childhood obesity preventive initiatives should commence at pre-conception, targeting maternal weight throughout the life-course and childhood developmental stages.

The Uterine Environment and Childhood Obesity Risk: Mechanisms and Predictions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Childhood obesity is a growing health problem in many populations, hence the urgent need to unravel the underlying mechanisms. Some evidence suggests that exposure to suboptimal intrauterine environments can program foetal metabolic health, with adverse consequences in later life, including susceptibility to childhood obesity.

FINDINGS

Factors such as high and low foetal birth weight, excessive gestational-weight-gain, maternal stress and smoking are all associated with increased risk of childhood obesity in observational studies. Animal models, where both genetic background and the postnatal environment can be carefully controlled, suggest that several different mechanisms, including epigenetic changes, dysregulation of adipose tissue development and programming of appetite, may be key drivers of developmental programming of childhood obesity. However, the influence of genetics and the post-natal environment are much more difficult to disentangle as independent effects in human studies, which are also complicated by low follow-up rates. Suboptimal intrauterine environments interact with maternal and foetal genetics and with the postnatal environment to contribute to the risk of childhood obesity. Maternal metabolic challenges, for example obesity and insulin resistance, contribute to the risk of foetal overgrowth and subsequent adiposity in childhood. To protect the long-term health of populations, research focusing on effective means of identifying and intervening in the transgenerational cycle of childhood obesity is required.

Body mass index trajectories from childhood concerning emotional states in young adulthood: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

This study aimed to identify body mass index (BMI) trajectories from childhood and their relationships with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in young adulthood. A total of 687 children aged 4-18 years were recruited from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Throughout 18 years of follow-up, BMI was measured every 3 years for a maximum of 6 data points. Participants completed the depression, anxiety, and stress scale in their young adulthood (aged 22-36). The group-based trajectory modelling was applied to identify BMI patterns. The logistic regression model was used to assess the association between BMI trajectories and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in adulthood. Two BMI trajectories were identified from childhood to young adulthood: healthy weight (HW = 69.6%) and persistent increasing overweight/obesity (PIO = 30.4%). After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with the HW group, men in the PIO group were more likely to experience higher stress levels (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 0.99-2.63; p = 0.05). No significant association was observed between the PIO trajectory and depression and anxiety among both sexes and stress symptoms in females. Our results highlight that developing overweight and obesity from childhood may be related to increased stress in males.

Study of the Combined Effect of Maternal Tobacco Smoking and Polygenic Risk Scores on Birth Weight and Body Mass Index in Childhood

Background: Maternal smoking during pregnancy has adverse health effects on the offspring, including lower birth weight and increased risk for obesity. These outcomes are also influenced by common genetic polymorphisms. We aimed to investigate the combined effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy and genetic predisposition on birth weight and body mass index (BMI)-related traits in 1,086 children of the Human Early Life Exposome (HELIX) project. Methods: Maternal smoking during pregnancy was self-reported. Phenotypic traits were assessed at birth or at the age of 8 years. Ten polygenic risk scores (PRSs) per trait were calculated using the PRSice v2 program. For birth weight, we estimated two sets of PRSs based on two different base GWAS summary statistics: PRS-EGG, which includes HELIX children, and PRS-PanUK, which is completely independent. The best PRS per trait (highest R 2) was selected for downstream analyses, and it was treated in continuous or categorized into three groups. Multivariate linear regression models were applied to evaluate the association of the explanatory variables with the traits of interest. The combined effect was evaluated by including an interaction term in the regression models and then running models stratified by the PRS group. Results: BMI-related traits were correlated among them but not with birth weight. A similar pattern was observed for their PRSs. On average, the PRSs explained ∼4% of the phenotypic variation, with higher PRS values related to higher trait values (p-value <5.55E-08). Sustained maternal smoking was associated with lower birth weight and higher BMI and related traits (p-value <2.99E-02). We identified a gene by environment (GxE) interaction for birth weight between sustained maternal smoking and the PRS-EGG in three groups (p-value interaction = 0.01), which was not replicated with the PRS-PanUK (p-value interaction = 0.341). Finally, we did not find any statistically significant GxE interaction for BMI-related traits (p-value interaction >0.237). Conclusion: Sustained maternal smoking and the PRSs were independently associated with birth weight and childhood BMI-related traits. There was low evidence of GxE interactions.

Effect of Exposure to Paternal Smoking on Overweight and Obesity in Children: Findings from the Children Lifeway Cohort in Shenzhen, Southern China

INTRODUCTION

Paternal smoking associated with childhood overweight and obesity has been a concern, but studies have not investigated smoking exposure and smoking details. We investigated the association of exposures from paternal smoking as well as smoking details on offspring overweight/obesity.

METHODS

A total of 4,513 children (aged 7-8 years) in Shenzhen were enrolled. Four different exposures from paternal smoking as well as smoking quantity, duration of smoking, and age of starting smoking details were the exposure variables and demographic characteristics, and circumstances of birth, dietary intake, lifestyle, and nonpaternal-smoking exposure were covariates in the logistic regression analysis to determine the effect of paternal smoking on childhood overweight/obesity, estimating odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Paternal smoking was positively associated with childhood overweight/obesity (p < 0.05). Moreover, only preconception exposure, and both pre- and postconception exposure were significantly associated with childhood overweight/obesity (OR 1.54 [95% CI: 1.14-2.08] and OR 1.73 [95% CI: 1.14-2.61], respectively), restricted to boys but not girls. Furthermore, for children with only preconception paternal-smoking exposure, the dose-response relation was positive between smoking quantity, duration of smoking, age at starting, and overweight/obesity for boy offspring (p trend <0.001). We did not find any significant association between only postnatal exposure to paternal smoking and childhood overweight/obesity (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that paternal smoking is associated with boys' overweight/obesity, and this association may be due to the paternal-smoking exposure before conception rather than the postnatal exposure to paternal smoking. Reducing paternal-smoking exposure before conception might help reduce overweight/obesity in boys.

Racial Disparities in Obesity Treatment Among Children and Adolescents

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With the growing obesity epidemic among children and adolescents, the evaluation of disease origin to slow disease progression is necessary. Racial disparities which are evident amid prevalence and treatment must be studied to counteract disease propagation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Disparities are pronounced among Black and Hispanic pediatric patients prior to conception and birth due to genetic composition and fetal environment. Postnatal environment and psychosocial influences can further increase a child/adolescent's propensity to increased weight. Current treatment options including nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification, pharmacotherapy, and surgery are underutilized in communities of color due to limited access to care and cost. Data is limited to demonstrate disparities among treatment of obesity in children and adolescents. The reviewed studies show the role of race on disease treatment. Increased research efforts, especially in pharmacotherapy and metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), will help combat obesity in pediatric communities of color.

Are small-for-gestational-age preterm infants at increased risk of overweight? Statistical pitfalls in overadjusting for body size measures

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of adjusting for body measures on the association between small for gestational age (SGA) and overweight at 3 years.

STUDY DESIGN

Data were obtained from the Preterm Infant Multicenter Growth Study (n = 1089). Logistic regression was used, to adjust for confounders with additional adjustments separately for weight and height at 21 months. Marginal structural models (MSMs) estimated the direct effect of SGA on overweight.

RESULTS

The crude and adjusted for confounders models yielded null associations between SGA and overweight. Adjusting for height yielded a positive association (odds ratio (OR): 2.31, 95% CI: 0.52-10.26) and adjusting for weight provided a significantly positive association (OR: 6.60, 95% CI: 1.10-37.14). The MSMs, with height and weight held constant, provided no evidence for a direct effect of SGA on overweight (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.14-5.01, OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.18-2.81, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Adjusting for body measures can change the association between SGA and overweight, providing spurious estimates.

Obesity in Early Childhood: Examining the Relationship among Demographic, Behavioral, Nutritional, and Socioeconomic Factors

Background: The present study sought to explore the combined relationship of physical activity, screen time, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, infant feeding practices, and demographic factors with obesity in early childhood. Methods: The current study included cross-sectional Kindergarten Health Survey data collected annually from 2012 to 2016. The sample included 7814 kindergarten students, with a mean age of 5.02 [standard deviation = 0.33]. A Multinomial Logistic Regression using body mass index as the dependent variable and select demographic traits, dietary practices, sedentary behaviors, and physical activity indicators as independent variables was used to assess relationship of aforementioned factors to obesity. Results: Children were more likely to be obese if they were non-Caucasian, male, lived in rural areas, lived at or below the poverty level, had public insurance, or lived in single-parent households. Children who received less than 30 minutes of physical activity 3 or fewer days per week, had more than 2 hours of daily screen time, consumed any amount of soda, and consumed anything other than breast milk at 6 months of age also had a higher probability of being obese. Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that investments in prevention strategies are needed to address the behavioral patterns and socioeconomic disparities before kindergarten. Efforts that increase access to nutritious food, physical activity, and overall family wellness and education, such as high-quality early childhood education, could be feasible prevention approaches.

Parental neglect of feeding in obese individuals. A review of scientific evidence and its application among Saudi population

Human beings encountered malnutrition during the twentieth century and obesity in the very next century. This is how the future will look when the present becomes a slice of history. Obesity is threatening the healthy being of many youngsters throughout the world. Environmental influences have indicated to effect even genetically safe subjects among which parental neglect seems to be most alarming. Two extensively and globally investigated variables, the feeding style and the physical activity, provide some hope in its prevention. Despite the high rise of obesity prevalence in Saudi Arabia, there is scant research on these topics. The purpose of this review is to present a comprehensive assessment of these 2-obesity associated parental variables. The composed literature could provide an insight to the dominant surge of obesity in the Arab nations and stimulate research on current parenting practices in the Kingdom.

Influence of Parental Physical Activity and Screen Time on the BMI of Adult Offspring in a Saudi Population

Saudi Arabia is witnessing a drastic rise in adult obesity. Geographic limitations hamper somatic activities to counter this rise. Parental physical inactivity in the region has never been addressed. This study’s purpose is to determine the differences between parent and adult child (the subjects here) levels of physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) between normal weight and obese adults in the Saudi Arabian population. Two hundred and forty adult subjects (18 to 35 years) were screened for their body mass index (BMI) values (18.5 ≤ 25 as normal and 25 ≤ 30) or above as overweight/obese), followed by their congregation into normal weight (N) (n = 150) and overweight/obese (Ov/Ob) (n = 90) groups. A self-reported questionnaire assessed parenting practices, while a physical activity record diary calculated existing levels of PA and ST. Statistical significance was determined by a chi-squared test (p < 0.01) and BMI correlation was found by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Maternal age (87.8% ≤ 20 years in the Ov/Ob group (Gp) and consanguineous marriage (88.9% in the Ov/Ob Gp) showed significant differences. A high prevalence of inactivity was observed among families (father 53.3%, mother 53.3%, subject 80.0%) in the Ov/Ob Gp. Higher amounts of ST (76.7% ≥ 9 h/day) were found in the Ov/Ob Gp, which significantly differed. Differences in the parent and child levels of PA and ST exist between normal weight and obese Saudi Arabian adults. Physically active parents having adult children inspire them to develop healthy physical behaviors which counter the development of obesity. Consanguineous marriage and early maternal age may be associated with progressive adult obesity.

Social and economic factors, maternal behaviours in pregnancy and neonatal adiposity in the PANDORA cohort

BACKGROUND

Australian Indigenous women experience high rates of social disadvantage and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in pregnancy, but it is not known how social factors and maternal behaviours impact neonatal adiposity in offspring of women with hyperglycaemia in pregnancy.

METHODS

Participants were Indigenous (n = 404) and Europid (n = 240) women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or T2D in pregnancy and their offspring in the Pregnancy and Neonatal Diabetes Outcomes in Remote Australia (PANDORA) study. Social, economic factors, and maternal behaviours were measured in pregnancy and six neonatal anthropometric outcomes were examined after birth.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, maternal education < 12 years (p = 0.03), unemployment (p = 0.001), welfare income vs no welfare income (p = 0.001), lower area based socio-economic score (p < 0.001), and fast food intake > 2 times/week (p = 0.002) were associated with increased sum of skinfolds (SSF) in offspring. Smoking was significantly associated with a reduction in anthropometric measures, except SSF. In multivariable models adjusted for ethnicity, BMI and hyperglycaemia, social and economic factors were no longer significant predictors of neonatal outcomes. Smoking was independently associated with a reduction in length, head circumference and fat free mass. Frequent fast food intake remained independently associated with SSF (β-coefficient 1.08 mm, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

In women with hyperglycaemia in pregnancy, social factors were associated with neonatal adiposity, particularly skinfold measures. Promoting smoking cessation and limited intake of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods in pregnancy are important to improve neonatal adiposity and lean mass outcomes. Addressing inequities in social and economic factors are likely to be important, particularly for Indigenous women or women experiencing social disadvantage.

Association between caesarean section delivery and obesity in childhood: a longitudinal cohort study in Ireland

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between caesarean section (CS) birth and body fat percentage (BF%), body mass index (BMI) and being overweight or obese in early childhood.

DESIGN

Prospective longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

Babies After Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints: Evaluating the Longitudinal Impact on Neurological and Nutritional Endpoints cohort.

PARTICIPANTS

Infants born to mothers recruited from the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints study, Cork University Maternity Hospital between November 2007 and February 2011.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Overweight or obese defined according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria.

RESULTS

Of the 1305 infants, 362 (27.8%) were delivered by CS. On regression analysis, BF% at 2 months did not differ significantly by delivery mode. Infants born by CS had a higher mean BMI at 6 months compared with those born vaginally (adjusted mean difference=0.24; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.41, p value=0.009). At 2 years, no difference was seen across the exposure groups in the risk of being overweight or obese. At 5 years, the association between prelabour CS and the risk of overweight or obesity was not statistically significant (adjusted relative risk ratio, aRRR=1.37; 95% CI 0.69 to 2.69) and the association remained statistically nonsignificant when children who were macrosomic at birth were excluded from the model (aRRR=0.86; 95% CI 0.36 to 2.08).

CONCLUSION

At 6 months of age, children born by CS had a significantly higher BMI but this did not persist into future childhood. There was no evidence to support an association between mode of delivery and long-term risk of obesity in the child.