Position statement of Italian Society of Obesity (SIO): Gestational Obesity.

Stefania Camastra, Fernanda Velluzzi, Silvia Garelli, Valeria Guglielmi, Melania Manco, Ludovica Verde, Rocco Barazzoni, Giovanna Muscogiuri, Luigi Barrea

Journal: Eating and weight disorders : EWD 2024;29(1):61

PMID: 39331227

Free Full Text on PubMed Central View on PubMed

Abstract

PURPOSE

Gestational obesity (GO) presents a multifaceted challenge to maternal and fetal health, with an escalating prevalence and far-reaching consequences extending beyond pregnancy. This perspective statement by the Italian Society of Obesity (SIO) provides current insights into the diagnosis, maternal and fetal impacts, and treatment strategies for managing this pressing condition.

METHODS

This article provides a comprehensive review of the maternal and fetal effects of GO and provides suggestions on strategies for management. Comprehensive review was carried out using the MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases.

RESULTS

The diagnosis of GO primarily relies on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), although standardized criteria remain contentious. Anthropometric measures and body composition assessments offer valuable insights into the metabolic implications of GO. Women with GO are predisposed to several health complications, which are attributed to mechanisms such as inflammation and insulin resistance. Offspring of women with GO face heightened risks of perinatal complications and long-term metabolic disorders, indicating intergenerational transmission of obesity-related effects. While nutritional interventions are a cornerstone of management, their efficacy in mitigating complications warrants further investigation. Additionally, while pharmacological interventions have been explored in other contexts, evidence on their safety and efficacy specifically for GO remains lacking, necessitating further investigation.

CONCLUSION

GO significantly impacts maternal and fetal health, contributing to both immediate and long-term complications. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach, including precise diagnostic criteria, personalized nutritional interventions, and potential pharmacological treatments. These findings underscore the need for individualized care strategies and further research to optimize outcomes for mothers and their offspring are needed. Enhanced understanding and management of GO can help mitigate its intergenerational effects, improving public health outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V narrative review.

Address: Dipartimento Di Benessere, Nutrizione E Sport, Centro Direzionale, Università Telematica Pegaso, Via Porzio, Isola F2, 80143, Naples, Italy.; Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Andrologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy.; Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.; Unit of Internal Medicine and Obesity Center, Department of Systems Medicine, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.; Predictive and Preventive Medicine Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.; Obesity Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.; Department of Internal Medicine, Trieste University Hospital, Trieste, Italy.; Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Andrologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.; Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.; Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Andrologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy. [email protected].; Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Andrologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italia. [email protected].; Cattedra Unesco "Educazione alla Salute e Allo Sviluppo Sostenibile", Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Naples, Italia. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1007/s40519-024-01688-y