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Pediatrics

Effects of an antenatal dietary intervention in women with obesity or overweight on child outcomes at 3–5 years of age: LIMIT randomised trial follow-up

International Journal of Obesity volume 44, pages 1531–1535 (2020)Cite this article

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Abstract

While the effects of an antenatal dietary intervention for women with obesity or overweight on pregnancy and newborn health have been extensively studied, the longer-term effects into childhood are unknown. We followed children born to women who participated in the LIMIT randomised trial, where pregnant women were randomised to an antenatal dietary and lifestyle intervention or standard antenatal care. Our aim was to assess the effect of the intervention, on child outcomes at 3–5 years of age on children whose mothers provided consent. We assessed 1418 (Lifestyle Advice n = 727; Standard Care n = 691) (66.9%) of the 2121 eligible children. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of child BMI z-score >85th centile for children born to women in the Lifestyle Advice Group, compared with the Standard Care group (Lifestyle Advice 444 (41.73%) versus Standard Care 417 (39.51%); adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.05; 95% confidence intervals 0.93–1.19; p = 0.42). There were no significant effects on measures of child growth, adiposity, neurodevelopment, or dietary intake. There is no evidence that an antenatal dietary intervention altered child growth and adiposity at age 3–5 years. This cohort of children remains at high risk of obesity, and warrants ongoing follow-up.

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Acknowledgements

We are indebted to the 2212 women who participated in the LIMIT randomised trial, and to the 1418 parents and children who contributed to the 3–5 year outcome data. The following persons in Adelaide, South Australia participated in the conduct of the 3–5 year Follow-up of LIMIT Trial: Co-ordinating Team—JMD, AD, JL, A Newman, L Greenham, C Sheppard, D Post, C Cramp, Z Sui, S Zrim, A Jacobssen, F Spronk, L Williams, E Lyrtzis. Statistical analyses—JL. Writing Group—JMD, JL, and AD.

Funding

This study was funded by a NHMRC Project Grant (APP1043178). JMD is supported by a NHMRC Practitioner Fellowship (APP1078980).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Adelaide, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health and The Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia

    Jodie M. Dodd, Andrea R. Deussen & Jennie Louise

  2. Women’s and Babies Division, Department of Perinatal Medicwine, The Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, SA, Australia

    Jodie M. Dodd

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  1. Jodie M. Dodd
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  2. Andrea R. Deussen
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  3. Jennie Louise
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Correspondence to Jodie M. Dodd.

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Dodd, J.M., Deussen, A.R. & Louise, J. Effects of an antenatal dietary intervention in women with obesity or overweight on child outcomes at 3–5 years of age: LIMIT randomised trial follow-up. Int J Obes 44, 1531–1535 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-020-0560-4

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