The impact of maternal obesity on childhood neurodevelopment

There is growing clinical and experimental evidence to suggest that maternal obesity increases children's susceptibility to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Given the worldwide obesity epidemic, it is crucial that we acquire a thorough understanding of the available evidence, identify gaps in knowledge, and develop an agenda for intervention. This review synthesizes human and animal studies investigating the association between maternal obesity and offspring brain health. It also highlights key mechanisms underlying these effects, including maternal and fetal inflammation, alterations to the microbiome, epigenetic modifications of neurotrophic genes, and impaired dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling. Lastly, this review highlights several proposed interventions and priorities for future investigation.

Automated summary

Maternal obesity may increase children's susceptibility to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Key mechanisms such as inflammation, alterations to the microbiome, epigenetic modifications, and impaired signaling pathways have been identified. Proposed interventions and future research priorities include addressing these mechanisms and knowledge gaps.