Abstract
ABSTRACT Early life is important for later health outcomes, yet there are few studies which adequately address all of the potential early life insults that may affect later life health and growth trajectories. This is particularly evident in low- to middle-income countries such as South Africa, where women of childbearing age are particularly vulnerable to high levels of physical inactivity, malnutrition, and obesity. Pregnancy may therefore be an opportune time to change behaviours and improve maternal and offspring health outcomes, and decrease the inter-generational transfer of risk. We show clear evidence that physical activity and nutrition are important target areas for intervention during pregnancy and in the early years of life, yet that current literature in Africa, and specifically South Africa, is limited. We have outlined the available literature concerning the impact of maternal and early life nutrition and physical activity on the health status of South African children, and have provided some recommendations for future research and policy.
Highlights
Life has been shown to be important for later health outcomes
Women of childbearing age in South Africa are vulnerable to high levels of physical inactivity, malnutrition, and obesity [8], and so pregnancy may be an opportune time to change these behaviours in order to improve maternal and offspring health outcomes, and decrease the inter-generational transfer of risk
This clear gap in the current literature highlights the need for further research measuring physical activity levels and patterns in the first two years of life and in the preschool years (±3–5 years), as well as effects on childhood and later health in South African children
Summary
Life (including the gestational period) has been shown to be important for later health outcomes. One published study has assessed physical activity in preschools, reporting a high proportion of time spent in sedentary behaviours and indoors while at preschool [49] This clear gap in the current literature highlights the need for further research measuring physical activity levels and patterns in the first two years of life and in the preschool years (±3–5 years), as well as effects on childhood and later health in South African children. We have outlined the available literature concerning the effects of maternal and early life nutrition and physical activity on the health status of South African children and have provided some recommendations for future research and policy This provides a ‘road-map’ for research, intervention, and a research translation agenda in South Africa which could be extended to effectively address the double burden of malnutrition in young African children, and to be able to intervene effectively
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