Adriëtte Oostvogels

3 93 pBMI, lipids and offspring’s body composition have first trimester weight gain in a subsample (n = 1410). Explorative analysis with early gestational weight gain added to the full model attenuated our findings, but maternal FFA remained significantly associated with child’s risk for overweight (data not shown). Moreover, gestational weight gain itself was positively associated with child BMI but not with offspring’s fat percentage and offspring’s WHtR. These results indicate that, besides maternal pBMI, excessive weight gain during gestation might also have the potential to program the child for adiposity; however, more research is needed to draw firm conclusions. Finally, the model showing the risk of obesity might be an unstable one. This model includes many potential confounders, while there are few events. The results should be interpreted with caution. Implications Higher maternal lipid levels during early pregnancy and maternal pBMI are associated with offspring adiposity at age 5–6 years. Because of the tracking of childhood adiposity into adulthood, we expect this increase in WHtR, fat percentage and child BMI to persist and become more pronounced later in life. Therefore, the impact of small increases at a young age might have detrimental effects on cardiovascular disease later in life. More research is needed to elucidate the etiology, and to develop preventive strategies to reduce adverse lipid profiles in the preconception phase to improve offspring’s health. Conclusion In conclusion, maternal pBMI and lipid profile during early pregnancy are independent factors related to childhood adiposity at young age.