Maternal nutritional status and the risk of metabolic syndrome in pregnancy: implications for public health nutrition
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Maternal nutritional status is considered essential for metabolic adaptation during pregnancy. Both malnutrition and obesity are associated with metabolic abnormalities; however, the link between these factors and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in pregnancy remains poorly studied from a public health perspective. Aim: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the association between nutritional status and the risk of metabolic syndrome in pregnant females. Methods: In a retrospective observational study, data were collected from the medical records of 850 pregnant women from tertiary care hospitals between November 2023 and May 2025. Assessment of nutritional status was carried out using dietary and body mass index (BMI). MetS was diagnosed based on the presence of three or more metabolic conditions. Logistic regression was employed to identify significant risk factors, adjusting for various covariates. Results: < 0.001). Risk factors of MetS included poor nutritional habits (AOR = 2.45), insufficient fibre intake (AOR = 2.12), increased BMI (AOR = 2.76), and excessive dietary fat intake (AOR = 1.89). There appeared to be a dose-response effect between fibre intake and MetS. Conclusion: Nutrition status is significantly associated with the risk of MetS during pregnancy. Findings suggest that nutritional evaluation and intervention are important strategies in public health nutrition.
Source: Frontiers in Public Health
Authors: Yu Wu, Zhengxiang Gao, Yu Gou, Lingyi Yan, Yifei Duan
Language: English
Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Funder: Sichuan University
Award: G4722291746
OpenAlex ID: W7166868657