INFLUENCE OF DIETARY HABITS OF MOTHERS WITH OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY ON FORMATION OF EATING BEHAVIOR OF CHILDREN

Background. Recent epidemiological and experimental studies indicate that predisposition for obesity and nutrition-related non-infectious diseases can be programmed during prenatal development and early childhood, and it is determined by the state of the mother’s nutrition before and during pregnancy. Epigenetic changes are possible during prenatal development under the influence of exogenous factors, in particular, insufficient or excessive nutrition of the fetus, which in turn can cause changes in metabolic processes, structure and functions of organs and systems, thereby increasing susceptibility to chronic diseases. The model of human eating behavior is formed early in life, when stable taste preferences are established and the attitude to the procedure of food intake (the regimen, the portion volume, the cultural behavior at the table) is fostered. Objective: evaluation of the dietary habits of pregnant women (PW) and breastfeeding women (BW) with normal body weight and obesity and the dietary habits of their children. Methods. The assessment of the actual nutrition by the method of 24-hour reproduction of food and the frequency method in PW and BW with normal and excessive body weight, and feeding habits of children of these mothers and BW with normal body weight. Results. Pregnant women with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 24.9 kg/m2 and carriers of mutant alleles of established polymorphisms have a more frequent intake of a number of foods high in protein and fat and digestible carbohydrates compared to women with normal BMI. In breastfeeding women with a BMI more than 24.9, the same patterns were established, which indicates the preservation of food stereotypes characteristic of the period of pregnancy during the lactation. Differences in the formation of eating behavior in children depending on the nutritional status of the mothers were revealed: early introduction of foods and dishes of complementary feeding to children of mothers with excessive body weight and obesity; after 1.5-2 years of age, mothers are more likely to add salt and sugar to food for children. Conclusion. The study confirmed that the inappropriate eating behavior of pregnant and breastfeeding women with overweight and obesity, leading to excessive consumption of foods containing saturated fats and sugars with a high glycemic index, salt and substances stimulating appetite, contributes to the formation of inappropriate eating behavior in children, because mothers give complementary feeding to their children earlier compared to mothers with BMI=18.5-24.9.

nutrition, pregnancy, lactation, complementary feeding, obesity