Chinese Journal of Child Health Care 2024;32(1):54-58

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2023-0207

Research progress in the correlation between maternal depression and childhood obesity

Hongju ZHOU 1 ; Ji GUAN 1 ; Jing LUO 1 ; Xuemei JU 1 ; Jiaxin YU 1

Affiliations

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Keywords

mother; children; depression; overweight; obesity

Country

China

Language

Chinese

Abstract

Maternal depression can cause physical and mental harm to herself. This condition can lead to poor physical development in early offspring (newborns). However, the effect of maternal depression on the long-term physical development of offspring remains controversial. Studies have shown that offspring exposed to maternal depression in developed countries are at an increased risk of obesity. In view of the high incidence of maternal depression and childhood obesity in China, this article reviews the correlation between maternal depression and offspring obesity, aiming to provide insights for relevant research in China and offer references for the prevention and intervention of maternal depression and childhood obesity.