People born through caesarean section are significantly more likely than others to be obese as adults, researchers revealed last night.
The findings come as rates of caesarean section – and obesity – have soared in the UK and other countries.
According to the study, an adult born through a caesarean procedure is 26% more likely than others of the same age to be overweight or obese.
Researchers at Imperial College, London, UK, analysed the findings of 15 studies involving more than 38,000 people for the research, published in PLoS One.
The findings do not prove that caesarean section causes obesity – and there could be common factors underlying complications in pregnancy and later weight problems.
But researcher Dr Matthew Hyde said there were “plausible” reasons why the operation might be direct cause of obesity.
He said: “The types of healthy bacteria in the gut differ in babies born by caesarean and vaginal delivery, which can have broad effects on health.
“Also, the compression of the baby during vaginal birth appears to influence which genes are switched on, and this could have a long-term effect on metabolism.”
And fellow researcher Professor Neena Modi said: “There are good reasons why C-section may be the best option for many mothers and their babies, and C-sections can on occasion be life-saving.
“However, we need to understand the long-term outcomes in order to provide the best advice to women who are considering caesarean delivery.”
The Royal College of Midwives urged women to think carefully before deciding to have a caesarean operation that might be avoidable.
Mervi Jokinen, of the college, said: “A decision to have a caesarean section should not be taken lightly by women or doctors.
“Whilst some caesarean sections are needed for medical reasons, many are not. We would encourage women to think carefully and weigh up the evidence before they decide to have a non-urgent caesarean.
“Women should also be aware that this is a major surgical operation that has the potential for increased complications every time a woman has the procedure carried out.”
K. Darmasseelane et al. Mode of delivery and offspring body mass index, overweight and obesity in adult life: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 26 February 2014 [abstract]
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