Public Health Aspect of the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) Mother-Offspring Cohort

Abstract

The Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) cohort study was established in 2009 and recruited 1247 Chinese, Malay, and Indian families to precisely define the critical developmental pathways and mechanisms of the origins of obesity, metabolic disease, and neurodevelopmental disorders that have major public health and economic importance in Asia and globally, with the goal to develop precision medicine approaches (biomarkers and interventions) for families at risk of future noncommunicable diseases. Our studies have already had major academic and translational impact and attracted significant media attention and policymakers' interest. Some examples of the translation of our science into public health activities are in the area of gestational diabetes mellitus, maternal emotional well-being, and preconception and antenatal nutritional intervention to develop better nutrition guidelines for prospective parents, pregnant women, infants, and children.