In a recent study conducted by the University of Michigan, researchers have found that a grandmother’s body mass index (BMI) can impact the risk of her grandchild being stillborn. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, examined the relationship between a grandmother’s weight during her own pregnancy with her female fetus and the risk of a stillborn grandchild.
The findings suggest that the effects of obesity may persist across generations, indicating the need for greater awareness and preventive measures. According to Professor Eduardo Villamor, co-author of the study, the potential effects of obesity on stillbirth risk can be transmitted through generations.
The study used data from over 300,000 grandmother-mother-grand offspring triads in Sweden. It revealed that grand offspring of women with a BMI between 25-29.9 (considered overweight) had a 41% increased risk of stillbirth compared to those with a normal BMI (18.5-24.9). Furthermore, grand offspring of women with a BMI of 30 or higher (classified as obese) had a 62% increased risk of stillbirth.
Importantly, the increased risk seemed to be directly linked to the grandmother’s weight rather than other factors shared within families, such as genetic characteristics. Professor Villamor stated that approximately 81% of the risk increase appeared to be directly attributable to the grandmother’s BMI.
The researchers hypothesize that obesity-related inflammation may affect the germinal cells of the fetus, leading to epigenetic alterations that increase the risk of stillbirth. These findings highlight the far-reaching impact of the obesity epidemic and underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, particularly among women of reproductive age.
Obesity in women of reproductive age is the most significant preventable risk factor for stillbirth in many populations, emphasized Professor Villamor. The study’s findings contribute to a growing body of evidence linking obesity to adverse outcomes and should serve as a call to action for public awareness campaigns and policy interventions.
The findings also shed light on the complex nature of intergenerational health effects and the need for comprehensive strategies to address and prevent obesity. By targeting obesity prevention and weight management among women of childbearing age, healthcare professionals and policymakers can work towards reducing the risk of stillbirth and improving overall maternal and child health outcomes.
In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy weight not only for the individual but also for future generations. The findings provide further evidence of the potential long-term consequences of obesity and highlight the urgent need for preventive measures and public education campaigns to address the obesity epidemic and its impact on maternal and fetal health.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
