Adriëtte Oostvogels

7 Implications This study shows that both maternal pBMI and early growth can independently program the child for adverse metabolic outcomes. This results in two time periods in which prevention of adverse metabolic outcomes can be started. The first is the preconception period; weight loss prior to pregnancy in women with overweight/ obesity should be promoted at this time. The second time period for possible intervention is during the 1-3 months after birth. During this period it is important that excessive postnatal growth, especially in children of women with overweight/ obesity, is prevented by promoting exclusive breastfeeding. 36 Conclusion The present study shows an independent positive association of maternal pBMI and offspring’s early postnatal growth on metabolic components at age 5-6 years. Although we found no evidence for a mediating role of postnatal growth, the combination of high maternal pBMI and postnatal accelerated growth, amplified both these individual effects. 191 pBMI, postnatal growth and offspring’s CMP