Eating fish more than three times a week during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity, according to the results of a new study. Women who ate fish more than three times per week were more likely to give birth to children with higher BMI values at ages two, four, and six.
High fish intake during pregnancy was also associated with an increased risk of rapid growth from birth to two years of age. The team found the results were stronger in girls than boys.
The researchers believe contamination by environmental pollutants in fish could provide an explanation for the increased BMI values.
The study examined data from over 26, 000 women and their children in previous studies from Europe and the U.S.A. The children were followed up until the age of six.
Original research paper published in JAMA Pediatrics on February 15, 2015.
Names and affiliations of selected authors
