The Relationship Between Paternal Smoking and Overweight/Obesity with Childhood Overweight/Obesity: A Systematic Review

Purpose of Review This review investigates the relationship of paternal smoking and overweight/obesity during pregnancy and up to one-year post-birth with childhood overweight/obesity up to age 12. Both exposures were analysed separately and together, if appropriate. Recent Findings Included studies indicate that paternal overweight/obesity is consistently associated with increased risk of childhood overweight/obesity, suggesting a robust intergenerational link. Conversely, findings on paternal smoking are less consistent. Five out of six studies suggest that paternal smoking during pregnancy may contribute to increased risk but one found no association. Summary Children of fathers with overweight/obesity are at higher risk of overweight/obesity in childhood. Paternal smoking was associated with higher risk of child overweight/obesity in most studies. Trajectories of overweight and obesity are likely to be transgenerational and systemic changes to tackle their socioeconomic determinants may be required to address these.