RCP warns maternal obesity poses growing risk to women and babies

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has warned that obesity among women of childbearing age is an urgent and growing public health concern, calling for coordinated action to reduce preventable risks to women and babies.

In a new briefing on maternal health and obesity, the RCP highlights that one in four pregnant women in England is now living with obesity. Obesity during pregnancy is linked to higher rates of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, caesarean birth and postpartum haemorrhage, with the greatest impact seen in the most deprived communities.

The risks can be fatal. The latest MBRRACE-UK Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths reports that 64 per cent of women who died during pregnancy or within six weeks of birth were living with overweight or obesity.

The RCP warns that rising rates of maternal obesity are increasing pressure on maternity services and may contribute to poorer long-term health outcomes for children, including a higher risk of cardiometabolic disease later in life.

The College is calling for system-wide action, including stronger prevention, improved pre-pregnancy education, better integration between maternity and weight management services, targeted action to address inequalities and increased investment in research.

Dr Kath McCullough, RCP special adviser on obesity, said: “Maternal obesity highlights the urgent need to tackle the root causes of obesity. Joined-up action across policy, education and healthcare could transform outcomes for women, babies and future generations.”