A long-term study conducted at the University of Helsinki found that children born to obese mothers are more likely to experience mental disorders such as schizophrenia and substance abuse problems later in life. Experts examined the relationship between maternal weight and the mental health of offspring using data from 68,571 newborns in Aberdeen from 1975 to 1999. They found that adults born to women suffering from severe obesity during that period had a 60% higher risk of developing any form of mental illness in adulthood.
The study, published in the journal "Scientific Reports," was conducted by psychologist Marius Lahti-Pulkkinen and colleagues from the University of Helsinki in Finland. The researchers wrote in their paper: "Our findings regarding the time-specific associations between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and adult offspring mental disorders may have important public health implications." They added that the results are "concerning given the prevalence of severe obesity among pregnant women."
It is noted that obesity has become increasingly common among pregnant women in recent years, with a prevalence of 7-25% in Europe and over 30% in the United States. Last year, the UK government launched a new strategy to combat obesity, banning advertisements for unhealthy foods before 9 PM and promoting healthy lifestyle campaigns. Recently, plans were revealed for a "Rewards Program," set to launch later this year in the UK, which will provide benefits to families that eat healthier and exercise, according to the Daily Mail.
