Obesity is a growing threat to women of childbearing age. Half
the population is either overweight (body mass index (BMI)
25.0-29.9) or obese (BMI ≥30).1
In Europe and the United
States, 20-40% of women gain more than the recommended
weight during pregnancy.2
Increased maternal weight or
excessive weight gain in pregnancy is associated with adverse
pregnancy outcomes.3 Half the women who die during
pregnancy, childbirth, or puerperium in the United Kingdom
are either obese or overweight.4 For the offspring, maternal obesity is a major risk factor for childhood obesity, which
persists into adulthood independent of other factors.5 Obesity
costs the UK National Health Service (NHS) around £0.5bn a
year and the UK economy a further £2.3bn in indirect costs.6