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. Nearly 3000 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
Miscarriage is the most common complication of pregnancy with 1 in 4 women experiencing at least 1 miscarriage during their reproductive lifetime. This is a quarter of all mothers-to-be, a quarter of all families affected by loss.
News and views from Tommy's
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Blog
A personal meaning of motherhood and Mother's Day
We asked our lovely friend and supporter, Jennie Agg, what motherhood and Mother's Day means to her. In this piece, she speaks of her difficult past experiences of Mother's Day, how she has grappled with a sense of being in limbo, and the ultimate purity of her feeling of mother love.
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Blog
Advice to help you cope on Mother’s Day
In the lead up to Mother's Day, you might find yourself thinking about how to process your emotions and what to do on the day itself. The anticipation can often feel scary or daunting, and finding ways to look after yourself is important. In this blog, you'll find advice from a few of our lovely supporters who understand how you're feeling.
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News
Giving some pregnant women progesterone could prevent 8,450 miscarriages a year, say experts
New research has revealed the benefits of giving progesterone to women with early pregnancy bleeding and a history of miscarriage.
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News
Tommy's hosts breakfast morning at the Foundling Museum
Tommy’s spent yesterday morning at the charming Foundling Museum in London, celebrating the work of Tommy’s National Centre for Maternity Improvement alongside the opening of the museum’s new exhibition, ‘Portraying Pregnancy’.
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News
Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy may trigger long-term post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression
The largest ever study into the psychological impact of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy has shown that early-stage pregnancy loss can have a serious impact on mental health. The research was led by Professor Tom Bourne at the Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research at Imperial College London.
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News
A diabetes drug could lead to new treatment for recurrent miscarriage
A pilot trial led by Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research suggests diabetes drug could be repurposed to target the lining of the womb in women with recurrent miscarriage.
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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 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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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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