Gestational diabetes increases obesity risk by 53 per cent in children, study reports

Gestational diabetes increases obesity risk by 53 per cent in children, study reports

The researchers then calculated that the increased risk of obesity for children of mothers with gestational diabetes was 53 per cent, compared to mothers without the condition.

This risk was 73 per cent for central obesity and 42 per cent for high body fat. The association with central obesity remained statistically significant after adjustments for BMI, but not with obesity and high body fat.

"The mechanisms by which exposure to diabetes in the wombincreases the risk of offspring obesity are not fully understood," said the researchers.

"Exposure to maternal diabetes is associated with excess fetal growth in utero, possibly mainly due to an increase in fetal fat mass and alterations in fetal hormone levels."