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Open Access 03-01-2024 | Obesity | REVIEW

Prenatal Exposure to Cannabis: Effects on Childhood Obesity and Cardiometabolic Health

Author: Brianna F. Moore

Published in: Current Obesity Reports | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To consolidate information on the obesogenic and cardiometabolic effects of prenatal exposure to cannabis.

Recent Findings

A PubMed search strategy updated from January 1, 2014, through 14 June 2023, produced a total of 47 epidemiologic studies and 12 animal studies. Prenatal exposure to cannabis is consistently associated with small for gestational age and low birth weight. After birth, these offspring gain weight rapidly and have increased adiposity and higher glucose (fat mass percentage) in childhood. More preclinical and prospective studies are needed to deepen our understanding of whether these associations vary by sex, dose, timing, and composition of cannabis (e.g., ratio of delta-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ9-THC] to cannabidiol [CBD]). Addressing these gaps may help to solidify causality and identify intervention strategies.

Summary

Based on the available data, clinicians and public health officials should continue to caution against cannabis use during pregnancy to limit its potential obesogenic and adverse cardiometabolic effects on the offspring.
Literature
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Metadata
Title
Prenatal Exposure to Cannabis: Effects on Childhood Obesity and Cardiometabolic Health
Author
Brianna F. Moore
Publication date
03-01-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Obesity Reports / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 2162-4968
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-023-00544-x

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