Obesity in pregnant women can lead to delayed IQ in boys

Obesity during pregnancy seems to be a common phenomenon, but one that can affect a child’s development. Nutrition and environmental health researchers from the University of Texas and Columbia University (USA) have discovered a link between a mother’s obesity during pregnancy and the development of her child.

Researchers have found motor impairment in preschoolers associated with lower IQ in mid-childhood in boys whose mothers were severely overweight during pregnancy. According to the research team, the differences are comparable to lead exposure in early childhood. The results of their work were published on December 20 in the journal BMC Pediatrics.

During the study, the researchers observed 368 mothers and their children, all of an economic level and living in similar neighborhoods, during their pregnancy and when the children were 3 and 7 years old.

Five fewer IQ points for boys

Researchers measured the motor skills of children at 3 years of age and found that maternal obesity during pregnancy was strongly associated with lower motor performance in boys. New tests were repeated at the age of 7, and the results indicate that boys whose mothers were overweight or obese during pregnancy had scores 5 points or more lower than the full IQ tests, compared to boys whose mothers were normal weight.

“What is striking is that even using different age-appropriate developmental assessments, we found these associations in early and middle childhood, which means that these effects persist over time,” says Elizabeth Widen , assistant professor of nutritional science at the University of Texas. These results are not intended to shame or scare anyone. We are only beginning to understand some of these interactions between the weight of mothers and the health of their babies. ”

Researchers still don’t know why obesity during pregnancy would affect a child’s future health. One explanation could be that dietary and behavioral differences may be determining factors, or that the development of the fetus may be affected by certain mechanisms specific to overweight people.

Previous research has established links between a mother’s diet and cognitive development. As a result, the researchers considered several factors in their analysis, including ethnicity, marital status, education level and the mother’s IQ, as well as the fact that the children were born prematurely or that they were exposed to environmental irritants such as air pollution.

A stimulating family environment can reduce the negative effects of obesity

During their research, the team also examined and took into account the environment in which the child lived, in particular by examining how the parents interacted with their offspring, and whether the child received books and toys.

They found that a stimulating family environment could mitigate the negative effects of obesity. “The effect on IQ was weaker in a stimulating home environment, but it was always there,” said Elizabeth Widen. The child’s IQ can have long-term consequences. According to the researchers, it can predict education level, socio-economic status and professional success later in life. According to the study results, the effects can potentially last into adulthood.

In a 2018 study, mothers exposed to lead “provide” a lower performance IQ in boys, but not in girls. These results should be put into perspective with a 2019 study which suggests that boys whose mothers received fluoride during their pregnancy obtained lower scores on an IQ assessment.

The research team advises obese or overweight pregnant women to follow a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, take a prenatal vitamin, stay active and make sure to consume enough fatty acids, such as those present. in fish oil.

Giving children a stimulating family environment is extremely important, as is seeing a doctor regularly, including during pregnancy to discuss weight gain. “Work with your doctor and discuss what is appropriate for your situation,” says Elizabeth Widen.

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