Effect of a high-protein and low-glycaemic index diet during pregnancy in women with overweight or obesity on offspring metabolic health—A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Maternal obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy are associated with higher birth weight and increased risk of childhood obesity.

Objective

This study investigated the effect of a high-protein and low-glycaemic-index (HPLGI) diet during pregnancy on offspring body composition and metabolic health.

Methods

We conducted a dietary intervention study in pregnant women with a pre-pregnancy BMI of 28–45 kg/m² who were randomly assigned to an HPLGI diet or a moderate-protein moderate-glycaemic-index (MPMGI) diet. A total of 208 offspring born to these women were followed-up from birth to 5 years of age.

Results

No differences were found on BMI z-scores at different ages; however, offspring born to women on the HPLGI diet exhibited 0.43 mmol/L higher glucose levels (p = 0.017) at birth compared with the MPMGI diet. At 3 years of age, HPLGI offspring had 0.09 mmol/L lower levels of HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.018) and 16% higher levels of triglycerides (p = 0.044). At 5 years of age, they had 0.25 mmol/L higher total cholesterol levels (p = 0.027) and 0.27 mmol/L higher LDL-cholesterol levels (p = 0.003) compared with the MPMGI diet.

Conclusion

An HPLGI diet during pregnancy may lead to adverse metabolic outcomes in the offspring, necessitating further investigation into long-term health implications.