Abstract MP47: Fetal Life Exposure to GDM and Postnatal Breastfeeding and Beverage Intake in the First Year Are Associated With Severe Child Obesity at 6 to 11 Years: The SWIFT Study in Youth

Objective: To evaluate associations between fetal exposure to GDM and postnatal breastfeeding (BF) and sugary beverages in the first year with risk of child overweight and obesity severity at 6-11 y. Methods: The sample included 850 children exposed to maternal GDM with BF and infant diet assessed by monthly surveys from birth to 1 y and weight and length/height measurements up to ages 6-11 y from electronic health records. Maternal GDM severity was classified by diagnosis time (Early <24 wks or Standard ≥24 wks) and treatment type (Diet or Medication). Child BMI percentiles at 6-11 y were categorized as normal <85 th (referent), overweight 85 th to <95 th , moderate obesity 100 to <120% of 95 th and severe obesity ≥120% of 95 th . Multinomial logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95%CI of child BMI categories associated with fetal GDM exposure (diagnosis time & treatment) and postnatal diet; BF inadequate <6 months or adequate >6 months and sugary beverages (fruit juice or sugar added) adjusted for race/ethnicity, WIC recipient, pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain. Results: There were 480 (56.5%) children with normal weight, 150 (17.6%) with overweight, 155 (18.2%) with moderate obesity and 65 (7.6%) with severe obesity. Child average age (SD) at follow-up was 9.6 (1.4) y. Early GDM diagnosis was associated with aORs [95%CI] of severe obesity = 3.06 (1.33-7.04) with medication, and 2.61 (1.08-6.35) with diet and of moderate obesity = 1.93 (1.05-3.55) with diet vs. Standard diagnosis with diet. Inadequate BF with sugary beverage or fruit juice was associated with aOR [95%CI] of severe obesity = 3.06 (1.07-8.72) vs. adequate BF and no beverage. Conclusions: Earlier fetal exposure to maternal GDM and shorter BF combined with sugary beverages in the first postnatal year shows persistent higher risk of severe child obesity about 10 y later. These findings highlight pre-pregnancy screening to avert GDM and the importance of adequate BF and avoidance of sugary beverages and fruit juice among offspring exposed to GDM.