Maternal Obesity Effects on the Risk of Allergic Diseases in Offspring

Abstract

Parallel increases in prevalence of both obesity and allergic disease have occurred in recent decades, suggesting that these conditions may be causally linked. Allergic diseases are often established in childhood. Factors acting in early life, including the prenatal period, might influence the risk of developing these conditions. Epidemiological data partially support associations between maternal obesity and allergic disease. These associations appear largely restricted to asthma, not all of which is allergic. Maternal obesity could directly influence respiratory or immune development predisposing to asthma and, potentially, other allergic diseases via immune modifying effects of adipokines, epigenetic effects, or effects upon the maternal and fetal microbiomes. Indirect effects of maternal obesity which might, in turn, influence the risk of developing allergic disease include pregnancy complications and obesity in offspring. Finally, associations between maternal obesity and allergic diseases in offspring might reflect shared genetics, gene-environment interactions or confounding by shared diet or habitual activity. Given the considerable impact of allergic asthma and other allergic diseases upon individuals and health-care systems, identifying a causal pathway between maternal weight and allergic diseases would be of great importance for public health. Further research is needed to identify the underlying mechanisms, effect modifiers and long-term consequences into adulthood.