This study is now complete
In the UK, one in four children aged between two and five are overweight or obese. Both maternal obesity and rapid weight gain during the first few months of life have been linked to the development of childhood obesity. We now want to find out whether there is a relationship between the way babies of obese mothers are fed in the first six months of their lives and the likelihood of them becoming obese themselves.
One of the many benefits of breastfeeding is that it is believed to help protect against the development of childhood obesity. As part of the UPBEAT study, which was the largest ever study in obese pregnant women, we met with over 350 mothers and their 6-month old babies to find out if there was any link between the way their baby was fed and its body composition, growth and eating behaviours.
Formula fed babies gained more weight
We found that formula fed babies had gained more weight than babies who were exclusively breastfed, and that breastfed babies seemed to enjoy their food more. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the babies who had a bigger appetite also had a higher body fat percentage, regardless of whether they were breast or bottle fed.
Because of these results, we believe that obese pregnant women who are struggling to breastfeed should be given lactation support. In a follow-up study called UPBEAT-TEMPO, we are now investigating whether there is also a link between the way a baby was fed in the first 6 months of its life and its body composition, growth and eating behaviours at 3 years old.
Join the fight for healthy pregnancies and babies
Tommy's funds research across the UK investigating the reasons for miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth, and fighting to make pregnancy and birth safer. We can keep you updated on ways you can support our work. If you would like to join our fight, click here.
More about Tommy's research
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Research into health and wellbeing in pregnancy
In addition to our core work on miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth and pre-eclampsia, Tommy’s also funds projects that research the effects of lifestyle and well-being on pregnancy and on the later life of the child.
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Research into stillbirth
When a baby dies after 24 weeks of gestation, it is called a stillbirth. Around 3,500 families a year get the devastating news that their baby is not alive. Our research is helping to change this.
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Research into premature birth
Around 60,000 babies are born prematurely each year in the UK. These babies are vulnerable – they are born before they have grown to cope with the outside world. Tommy’s is saving lives by researching how we can prevent premature births by finding those at risk early on.
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Research into miscarriage
1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage. 1 in 100 women have 3 or more miscarriages in a row. Research into this area of pregnancy loss has been underfunded for years.
News and views from Tommy's
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News
New mothers and their babies are being put at risk because medics are so exhausted, study warns
More than a third of maternity doctors admitted they suffer from burnout and exhaustion. This means that they may avoid difficult cases, over-prescribe medications and care less about their patients, increasing the risk of mistakes.
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News
Abdominal stitch is more effective than vaginal stitch for women who experience recurrent preterm births
A clinical trial has shown that an abdominal stitch can save babies’ lives by reducing preterm birth for high-risk women who have had a previous failed vaginal stitch. The trial was led and co-authored by Professor Andrew Shennan, Clinical Director of Tommy’s Preterm Surveillance Clinic.
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News
“Capturing a glimmer of hope”: Artist creates personalised paintings of embryos
Chloe, founder of ‘Embaby Art’, sits down to have a chat with Tommy’s about her passion for creating personalised paintings for families going through IVF.
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News
Brown Paper Packages launch Baby Loss & Miscarriage Care Box
Gift company, Brown Paper Packages have designed a care box for those who have experienced baby loss.
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Tell me WHY - a Tommy's campaign
71% are not given a medical reason for their miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth. Without this, parents, particularly women, blame themselves. We need more research to find out the reasons why.
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News
A new wellbeing resource for pregnancy and post-birth
Today, we're delighted to launch our new mental health digital tool for pregnancy and post-birth.
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News
A conversation with Liberty's Mother
Founder of Liberty’s Mother, Sophie Daniels, sits down to chat with Tommy’s about her daughter Liberty's death and what helped her get through it.
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News
Tommy's respond to the latest infant mortality statistics
The Office for National Statistics has today released their statistics for infant mortality rates in England and Wales.
Comments
Please note that these comments are monitored but not answered by Tommy’s. Please call your GP or maternity unit if you have concerns about your health or your baby’s health.
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