B4257 - Is maternal BMI causally linked to offspring neurodevelopmental traits - 27/02/2023

B number: 
B4257
Principal applicant name: 
Dheeraj Rai | Bristol Medical School (UK)
Co-applicants: 
Dr Christina Dardani, Dr Renee Gardner, Ms Shuyun Chen
Title of project: 
Is maternal BMI causally linked to offspring neurodevelopmental traits?
Proposal summary: 

Maternal overweight or obesity (defined by an elevated body mass index exceeding 25.0–29.9 or 30.0–34.9 kg/m2, respectively) has been associated with autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the offspring. However, little is known on whether these associations may be causal, considering that observational investigations may be limited by confounding and reverse causation. Epidemiological approaches integrating genotype information have the potential to overcome the limitations of traditional observational approaches and provide evidence of potential causality.

Impact of research: 
Further current understanding on the potential influence of maternal BMI on offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Date proposal received: 
Saturday, 11 February, 2023
Date proposal approved: 
Thursday, 23 February, 2023
Keywords: 
Genetic epidemiology (including association studies and mendelian randomisation), Pregnancy - e.g. reproductive health, postnatal depression, birth outcomes, etc., Statistical methods, Birth outcomes