Sugary drinks during pregnancy increase risk of childhood obesity

Danish researchers say there is a link between artificially sweetened drinks and childhood obesity at seven years of age.

New research, using information compiled from the Danish National Birth Cohort, has looked at children born to women with gestational diabetes and found the consumption of artificially-sweetened drinks during pregnancy is associated with a higher BMI in early childhood. Artificial sweeteners have widely replaced caloric sweeteners, due to consumer health concerns about sugar-sweetened beverages. To date, artificially sweetened soft drinks have been considered as potential healthier alternatives, although this study suggests otherwise. The study investigated 918 mother and child pairs, who completed interviews at gestational weeks 12 and 30, and also at six and 18 months postpartum. The mums-to-be also filled out a food questionnaire during pregnancy. Children's BMI scores and obesity status were calculated using weight and length at birth, five and 12 months, and at seven years. When the children were seven years old, a follow-up questionnaire about the child's health and development was delivered to the parents. Approximately half (45 percent) of women reported consuming artifically sweetened beverages during pregnancy. The findings showed a link between in-utero exposure to artifically sweetened beverages and birth size and risk of obesity at seven years. Interestingly, the associations were more significant in male children. Another reason to stick to the water this weekend...