Maternal obesity linked to ADHD risk

CHILDREN born to mothers who are severely overweight have a higher chance of developing conditions such as ADHD, scientists have found.

Researchers said public health strategies to help women planning pregnancies reach and maintain a healthy weight could address the risk.

Recognising severe obesity as a risk factor could also lead to the development of prevention strategies, they said.

The results were produced by a team from the universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Helsinki in Finland.

Scientists looked at the likely impact on children born to mothers classed as severely obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above.

Those youngsters born to severely obese women had a “significantly higher likelihood” of hyperactivity, sleep problems and conduct issues, the study concluded.

Researchers said the results suggest the risks are higher for children of severely obese mothers and could mean maternal weight is a strong indicator for whether children are likely to develop brainrelated psychiatric disorders.

Professor Rebecca Reynolds, of the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Cardiovascular Science and Tommy’s Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, said: “This research underlines the importance of finding ways of helping women plan for pregnancy by optimising their health.”