A recent study published in The International Journal of Obesity has found that promoting a Mediterranean diet (MD) during pregnancy may significantly lower the risk of obesity in children by the age of two. The research emphasizes the critical role of maternal nutrition in shaping children’s health outcomes.
Childhood obesity has emerged as a pressing public health concern globally, highlighting the need for effective preventive strategies. The period of pregnancy is particularly vital, as maternal diet can influence a child’s future health. The MD, characterized by high fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, has been associated with weight management in adulthood and may also play a protective role during pregnancy by influencing gene regulation related to obesity.
The Mediterranean Diet during Pregnancy (PREMEDI) trial involved 104 pregnant women who were randomly assigned to either standard care or standard care with personalized MD counseling. Women in the MD group participated in three dietary counseling sessions that encouraged increased consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, legumes, and olive oil while avoiding processed foods.
The primary outcome of the study was the percentage of children who were classified as obese or overweight by their second birthday. Secondary outcomes included maternal adherence to the MD and weight gain during pregnancy.
The results indicated a significant reduction in the risk of childhood obesity for those following the MD. In the MD group, no children were obese, and only 6% were overweight, compared to 8% and 22% in the control group for obesity and overweight, respectively. The absolute difference in risk was significant, with a number needed to treat (NNT) of four, suggesting that for every four women adhering to the MD, one case of childhood obesity or overweight was prevented.
Maternal weight gain was similar in both groups, indicating that the MD did not adversely affect weight gain during pregnancy. However, children born to mothers in the MD group had slightly higher birth weights.
Further analysis revealed that the MD was linked to increased methylation at the promoter region of the leptin gene, a key regulator of weight. This suggests that the MD may influence gene expression related to obesity risk in offspring.
The study underscores the critical role of maternal diet in preventing childhood obesity, showing that adherence to a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy can reduce the likelihood of children being overweight or obese. The experimental design of the study adds robustness to these findings, distinguishing them from previous observational studies with inconsistent results. Additionally, the exploration of genetic mechanisms, such as changes in the leptin gene, provides valuable insights into how maternal nutrition may influence obesity risk in children.
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