Programmed Obesity?: Study Links Intrauterine Exposures to Higher BMI in Toddlers
2009
Link Between Prenatal Pollution and Toddler BMI
Sample size: 138
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Mead M. Nathaniel
Primary Institution: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Hypothesis
Does prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants affect body mass index (BMI) in toddlers?
Conclusion
The study found that prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants is associated with higher BMI in toddlers.
Supporting Evidence
- Higher PCB levels were associated with higher BMI in children aged 1 to 3.
- Maternal smoking and higher PCB levels were positively associated with birth weight.
- Higher DDE levels were linked to increased BMI in 3-year-olds, especially in children of smoking mothers.
Takeaway
If a mom is exposed to certain chemicals while pregnant, her baby might weigh more as a toddler.
Methodology
A longitudinal study design was used to collect data from 138 mother-infant pairs over three years.
Limitations
Maternal weight gain during pregnancy was not recorded, and the children were only followed for 3 years.
Participant Demographics
Participants were mother-infant pairs from 26 maternity wards in Flanders, Belgium.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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