Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Mental Health Innovation have discovered a link between increased adiposity (body fat) during pregnancy and higher risks of mental health disorders in offspring. Published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, their study focused on two hormones, leptin and adiponectin, found in pregnancy and umbilical cord blood. These hormones play crucial roles in regulating appetite, glucose levels, and fat metabolism, impacting fetal development. The research marks a significant step in understanding how maternal metabolic conditions during pregnancy can influence fetal brain development, potentially predicting risks for conditions like ADHD and anxiety in children early on.
