Obesity in pregnancy increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in offspring, animal study shows

New research reveals that maternal obesity during pregnancy can have a negative impact on the lifelong health and function of a foetus’s heart. 

Researchers from the University of Colorado, US, have found a connection between maternal obesity and a higher risk of cardiac problems in offspring later in life due to the nutrients received while in the womb. The study involved feeding female mice a high-fat diet equivalent to a human eating a burger, chips, and a fizzy drink daily until they had obesity. Researchers then studied the foetuses of the mice while in the womb and up to 24 months after birth. They analysed their genes, proteins, and mitochondria and found that the heart is affected by the nutrients it receives while growing in the uterus. This leads to alterations in how the organ metabolises carbohydrates and fats. Due to the nutrients found in the high-fat diet, the hearts developed a preference for fats and moved away from sugar.

The study found that the hearts of both female and male offspring grew larger than average, impairing the organ’s ability to function normally due to an increase in weight. Male offspring showed signs of cardiovascular impairment from the start, while females’ health became worse over time. This may be due to increased oestrogen levels present in female mice that offer initial protection against cardiovascular dysfunction. However, this resistance weakens as oestrogen levels decline with age.

Having obesity during pregnancy can lead to the development of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions in humans, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The study’s lead author, Dr. Owen Vaughan, suggests that by improving our understanding of the mechanisms involved, this research can pave the way for treatments that could be used in early life to prevent later-life cardiometabolic illnesses. This could include offering more tailored advice on nutrition to mothers or children based on their body mass index or sex or developing new drugs that target metabolism in the heart of the foetus. Therefore, keeping active through regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy are essential for reducing the risk of developing health complications.