The Possible Contribution of being Born by Cesarean Section to Developing Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Later Life

Introduction

Obesity is now a major global epidemic. In 2016, 39% of adults worldwide ≥ 18 years old were overweight, and 13% were obese, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).[1] This current scenario is compounded in high-income countries such as the United States, where 31% of the population has a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m² and 50% have a waist circumference ≥ 88 cm, in the case of women, or ≥ 102 cm in the case of men.[2] Overweight and obesity are rapidly becoming a major health issue, as these conditions are associated with severe chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases in general.[3]

While it is largely agreed that obesity and overweight are the consequences of an unhealthy diet, mainly due to an increasing use of processed and preserved foods together with minimal physical activity, an association between cesarean delivery and obesity in later life has also been suggested. Cesarean section rates continue to increase well beyond what could be medically justified, and several studies conducted in different countries have found an association between being born by cesarean section and developing obesity in childhood or adulthood.[4]

Contributions

Faúndes A. and Miranda L. had the original idea of revising the subject, based on isolated observation and in a revision of articles on microbioma. Faúndes A., Miranda L. and Bento S. F. reviewed the literature, selected the appropriate article, and summarized the results. Faúndes A., Miranda L. and Bento S. F. contributed to the writing of the final paper.

Publication History

Article published online:
27 July 2021

• References

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