ABSTRACT
Obesity is a major public health problem in both Western and non-Western countries. In recent decades, the prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled worldwide. This chapter discusses the findings from recent observational studies and meta-analyses focused on the associations of maternal obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy with adiposity, cardiometabolic, respiratory, and cognitive-related health outcomes throughout childhood. It also describes the causality and potential mechanisms underlying the observed associations. Maternal prepregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain are important risk factors for multiple fetal pregnancy complications. Maternal obesity during pregnancy may affect respiratory outcomes throughout childhood. Maternal prepregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight are complex traits. Maternal prepregnancy obesity not only reflects maternal fat accumulation, but also other maternal characteristics, such as maternal nutritional status, insulin and glucose metabolism, and low-grade systemic inflammation. Maternal obesity during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development through various influences.
