Abstract
BackgroundPrevious studies in adults have found that a lower resting metabolic rate is a predictor of future body weight gain.MethodsTo determine if energy expenditures are reduced in infants born to obese mothers, 21 healthy infants (3.9 ± 1.9 months) born to lean (n = 7, BMI < 25 kg/m2), overweight (n = 7, BMI between 25–30) and obese (n = 7, BMI>30) mothers, respectively, participated in this study. Measurements of infant weight, length and skin-fold thicknesses, and mother's weight and height were obtained. Infant energy expenditure was measured for 4-hours using the Enhanced Metabolic Testing Activity Chamber. Metabolic data were extrapolated to 24-hours and adjusted for differences in age and body composition using linear regression analysis (SPSS, version 13) and expressed as kcal/day. Differences between the three groups were determined by one way ANOVA with the Bonferroni Post Hoc test procedure (p < 0.05).ResultsInfants born to obese mothers had a greater BMI (16.7 ± 1.2) than those from both the overweight (15.3 ± 1.4, p < 0.05) and lean groups (15.1 ± 1.3; p < 0.05). The infants of obese mothers had greater body fat (26.8 ± 2.1) than those from the overweight group (22.4 ± 5.0, p < 0.06). Infant BMI correlated (r = 0.53; p < 0.01) with that of their mothers. Extrapolated 24-h EE (kcal/d) correlated with fat-free mass (r = 0.94; p < 0.01). Infants extrapolated 24-h EE from both obese (472.1 ± 30.7 kcal/d; p < 0.05) and overweight groups (471.8 ± 39.5; p < 0.05) were lower than those of the lean group (532.4 ± 30.7).ConclusionLower extrapolated 24-h energy expenditure was present in infants of overweight and obese biological mothers during the first three to six months of life. Furthermore, these infants showed increased BMI and body fat. If these changes are unchecked future childhood obesity may result.
Highlights
Previous studies in adults have found that a lower resting metabolic rate is a predictor of future body weight gain
We have reported that infants of obese mothers consume more energy in a shorter period of time and are fed less frequently compared to those born to normal weight mothers [7]
Anthropometrics There were no significant differences in regards to age, length and body weight among the three groups of infants when classified according to their biological mothers Body mass index (BMI) (Table 1)
Summary
Previous studies in adults have found that a lower resting metabolic rate is a predictor of future body weight gain. Maternal obesity was associated with infant body fat [1] and greater subcutaneous adipose tissue in infants [2]. A greater maternal BMI during the first trimester of pregnancy was related to a higher prevalence of obesity in children two to four years of age [3]. It was reported that a greater maternal BMI was a modest predictor of their daughter's relative weight at five years of age [4]. Toddlers of obese mothers are more food compliant increasing energy intake [5]. We have reported that infants of obese mothers consume more energy in a shorter period of time and are fed less frequently compared to those born to normal weight mothers [7]. Large maternal weight loss resulting from obesity surgery prevented the transmission of obesity to children [8]
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