Fig. 2

Maternal obesity and its complications across different life stages. Findings from the S-PRESTO and GUSTO studies. At preconception, women who were overweight or obese were at-risk of hyperglycemia and reduced fecundability. When entering pregnancy, these women were more likely to experience excessive gestational weight gain and develop gestational diabetes, which were associated with adverse delivery and birth outcomes. Children born to obese mothers were susceptible to low breastfeeding exposure, early weaning and accelerated weight gain, placing them at risk of early childhood obesity and metabolic disorders. Meanwhile, women themselves had increased risks of substantial postpartum weight retention and type 2 diabetes development. S-PRESTO; Singapore PREconception Study of long-Term maternal and child Outcomes; GUSTO, Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes