Effects of maternal depression on the development of childhood obesity

The longitudinal association of maternal depression status with the development of childhood obesity was examined using the data set from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Maternal Depression was assessed by use of the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and defined as a score of 16 or greater. Maternal depression was assessed when child was at the first month, 36 months, and grade 1. Obesity status was assessed at 36 months, grade 1, grade 3, and grade 6. The effect of change/persistence in maternal depression over childhood on the development of childhood obesity was analyzed. Results: The prevalence of overweight or obesity at 36 months, grade 1, grade 3, and grade 6 was 14.9%, 18.4%, 21.5%, and 22.9% respectively. Children with mothers depressed at first month after birth had a higher risk of childhood overweight or obesity at 36 months and grade 1 than children with mothers not depressed at first month. Maternal depression at grade 1 was associated with a higher risk of development of childhood overweight and obesity at grade 6. Children were at highest risk to be overweight and obese at grade 3 and grade 6 if mothers had persistent depression. After adjusting several confounders, the development of childhood overweight and obesity was at higher risk if mothers had depression at more time points. Conclusion: Maternal depression was associated with the development of childhood obesity. Child obesity intervention efforts may benefit from strategies including improving maternal mental health status.