Maternal body mass index in pregnancy and offspring physical and psychosocial functioning in older age: findings from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study (HBCS)

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal obesity is associated with several adverse long-term health outcomes in the offspring. In this study, we examined the association between maternal body mass index (BMI) and offspring physical and psychosocial functioning in late adulthood. Methods: The study included 1759 men and women born during 1934–1944 and belonging to the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study. Data on maternal weight and height in late pregnancy and on offspring birth weight were retrieved from hospital birth records. Physical and psychosocial functioning was assessed using the Short Form 36 scale. Results: Maternal BMI was positively associated with poorer physical and psychosocial functioning among men, but not among women. This association was not mediated by birth weight. Discussion: The present study emphasizes the importance of preventing overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age.Key messagesMaternal BMI is known to be associated with adverse health outcomes among adult offspring.We found that higher maternal BMI was associated with poorer physical and psychosocial functioning among male offspring in late adulthood.The association between maternal BMI and offspring physical and psychosocial functioning was not mediated by birth weight.