Obstetric adiposity in the Mediterranean region

Abstract

The Mediterranean population appears to be particularly susceptible to adiposity. Excessive weight has been associated with obstetric short-term adverse outcomes that affect both mother and child. The aim of the present study was to identify the obstetric consequences of adiposity in the Mediterranean population.

Participating centers in the Mediterranean region each recruited 75–200 women at 24–32 weeks of pregnancy. The study protocol was approved by the relevant Research Ethics Committee in each country and informed consent was obtained from all participants. The detailed methodology has been described previously. The patients underwent a physical examination including height, weight, and blood pressure estimation, a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with a baseline fasting insulin level, and glycated hemoglobin estimation. [excerpt]