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Reproductive endocrinology

Reducing gestational weight gain—a panacea?

Reducing gestational weight gain is possible and may avoid some obstetric, perinatal and long-term metabolic risks for the mother and offspring. Reducing gestational weight gain, however, is not a panacea for all outcomes and all pregnancies. More research is needed to identify mother–infant pairs who will benefit.

Key Points

  • Reducing gestational weight gain is possible, avoids some obstetric and perinatal risks and may reduce maternal weight retention and the risk of childhood overweight

  • Further research is needed to identify the essential elements of possible interventions as public health measures and the risk group for whom such interventions should be initiated

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Correspondence to Rüdiger von Kries.

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von Kries, R., Nehring, I. Reducing gestational weight gain—a panacea?. Nat Rev Endocrinol 8, 452–454 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2012.109

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