Drinking artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy linked to increased infant BMI

A recent study published in JAMA Paediatrics revealed that consumption of artificially sweetened beverages by pregnant women was associated with a higher infant BMI. It is known that excess sugar consumption can lead to obesity, both in mothers and children. However, little research has been conducted into the effects of sugar replacement exposure during pregnancy. In this study, 3,033 mother-child pairs were examined, with particular interest in their dietary choices during pregnancy and the subsequent effects on infant BMI.

About 30% of women reported drinking beverages with artificial sweeteners during their pregnancy. It was found that these women were more likely to have obese children, with a 2 to 4 fold increase in the risk of overweight by age 1. The authors admit that there was a margin for error as the study relied on food questionnaires, however an effect on the infants’ BMI was clearly present. Given that there is both widespread childhood obesity as well as artificial sweetener use, the authors hope to further their research and understand the biological mechanisms for such an effect.