Acta Paediatrica · 2008 · 159 citations · 32 references
Public HealthMaternal HealthToxicologyEnvironmental HealthEnvironmental ToxicologyPerinatal EpidemiologyIntrauterine Growth RestrictionObesity In PregnancyPerinatal Risk FactorsPerinatal ToxicologyPrenatal DevelopmentPrenatal ToxicologyEnvironmental Exposures During PregnancyEnvironmental Prenatal ExposuresMaternal Adverse EffectsMaternal Exposure EffectsPerinatal Exposure EffectsPollution SourcesPrenatal Chemical ExposurePrenatal Exposure Effects
AIM: To determine whether prenatal exposure to hexachlorobenzene (HCB) has potential adverse effects on child's weight and body mass index (BMI) in a general population with no local pollution sources. METHODS: Starting from mid 1997, all mothers presenting for antenatal exposure in Menorca were recruited. Subsequently, 482 children were enrolled. HCB was measured in cord blood. Weight and height were measured at birth and at age 6.5 years. RESULTS: Children with HCB levels higher than 1.03 ng/mL in cord blood were 1.14 kg (0.38) heavier and had a higher BMI (beta= 0.80 (0.34)) than children with HCB levels lower than 0.46 ng/mL. No statistically significant associations were found in height. Children in the higher exposure group of HCB had an increased risk of 2.5 and 3.0 of being overweight and obese. Children from normal weight mothers also presented an increased risk of having higher BMI with increasing concentrations of HCB in cord serum. CONCLUSION: Prenatal exposure to HCB is associated with an increase in BMI and weight at age 6.5 years. Further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are needed to confirm these results.
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Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in the United States, 1999-2004
Cynthia L. Ogden, Margaret D. Carroll, Lester R. Curtin et al. · JAMA · 2006 · 8.7K citations
Prevalence of overweight among children in Europe
Tim Lobstein, Marie‐Laure Frelut · Obesity Reviews · 2003 · 795 citations