P533\u2005Childhood obesity and cigarette smoking during pregnancy

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study is to examine if cigarette smoking during pregnancy is a risk factor of childhood obesity. Methods This is a hospital based observational study over a period of 5 years. Data was collected prospectively in clinic setting. Diagnosis of obesity was based on the agreed national definition (BMI >95th centile). Main outcome factors are cigarette smoking during pregnancy, birth weight, family history (FH) of obesity, regular moderate weekly physical activity, daily duration of TV viewing, daily fruit and/or vegetable intake, diet and eating habits. Results Cigarette smoking during pregnancy was confirmed among 68/728 (9%) obese children. 45/68 (66%) females and 9/68 (15.5%) were of ethnic origin. 58/68 (85.5%) developed obesity after age of 3 years. 61/68 (90%) were born with normal birth weight. The remaining children had birth weight of < 2.5 (n=4; 6%) or > 4.5 kg (n=3; 4%). 42/68 (62%) with positive FH of obesity. 52/68 (76.5%) watched TV more than 2 hours a day and 30/68 (44%) children carried moderate physical activity of < 4 hours a week. Dietary assessment revealed that 54/68 (79.5%) children consumed < 3 fruits or portions of vegetables a day, and 53/68 (78%) children consumed high calorie intake. Conclusion Obesity among children of mothers with a history of cigarette smoking during pregnancy is multifactorial and cigarette smoking during pregnancy does not seem to be a major risk factor of childhood obesity. Our study is a hospital based one; therefore, its broad view should not be formally accepted without support by other population based study.