Progress on the relationship linking maternal obesity to offspring obesity

ZHOU Yeqing; LIU Lan; FU Junfen

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0804

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (1) : 96-100. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0804

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Progress on the relationship linking maternal obesity to offspring obesity

ZHOU Yeqing¹, LIU Lan^1,2, FU Junfen¹

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Abstract

In recent years, the rising incidence of childhood obesity has become a significant public health challenge.Maternal and child health (MCH) is the cornerstone of public health for all. Early life, as a critical period closely linked to MCH, is also a window of opportunity for child growth and development, making it crucial for life-cycle health management.Research indicates that maternal obesity status before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and postpartum significantly increases the risk of offspring obesity. However, the specific impacts of these different periods and the underlying developmental mechanisms are not yet fully understood. This paper reviews the association between maternal obesity at different physiological stages and offspring obesity. It further explores potential mechanisms, such as genetic factors and metabolic reprogramming, and summarizes relevant interventions.Emphasizing the importance of full-cycle prevention and control spanning the preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum periods, this review aims to better understand and prevent early-life obesity. This is crucial for reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity and promoting maternal and child health in China.

Key words

maternal obesity / childhood obesity / mother and child / early life

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ZHOU Yeqing, LIU Lan, FU Junfen. Progress on the relationship linking maternal obesity to offspring obesity[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2026, 34(1): 96-100 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0804

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