FAIRFAX, Va., June 23 -- George Mason University issued the following news release:
The roots of childhood obesity may begin in the womb.
New research led by the George Mason University College of Public Health found that children whose mothers entered pregnancy with obesity were 64% more likely to become overweight or obese by age 3. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy was associated with a 39% increase in that risk.
"Our findings suggest that childhood obesity risk may not develop in a single, uniform way, but maternal health before and during pregnancy may play a larger role than many people realize," said study lead author Hua Min, associate professor in the Department of Health Administration and Policy.
Different pregnancy-rela...