Funded by the Centre of Research Excellence in Health in Preconception & Pregnancy and conducted in partnership with Curtin University, Monash University, SAHMRI, and a team of national institutions, the systematic review and meta-analysis of more than 3.6 million mother-child pairs across 42 epidemiological studies found that obesity during pregnancy:
Increases the chance of ADHD in children by 32%.
Doubles the chance of developing autism in children (by 2.23 times).
Increases the possibility of conduct disorders by 16%
The study also found that maternal pre-conception obesity or overweight was linked with an increased risk of ADHD, autism, conduct disorder and psychotic disorder, as well as a 30% increased risk in both externalising symptoms and peer relationship problems.
“Maternal obesity has long been associated with a range of adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and it is also linked with macrosomia or high birthweight,” Dr Duko says.
“In this study, we examined maternal overweight and obesity before and during pregnancy, finding that both are significantly linked with psychiatric and behavioural problems in children later in life, specifically autism, ADHD and peer relationship problems.
“Given the rising global obesity rates among women of reproductive age, and the growing numbers of children identified with neurodiverse conditions, it’s important that we acknowledge the potential long-term consequences of maternal adiposity on child mental health.”
In Australia, approximately 1 in 150 people are autistic , and more than 8% of children aged 4-11 are diagnosed with ADHD. Globally, 1 in 8 people live with obesity.