Pregnant women smokers at risk of children’s obesity in Asia Pacific: A systematic review

The prevalence of obesity in children is a concern regarding the health implications that arise in the future. Prevention-based interventions on risk factors are directed at achieving the 3^rd SDG’s goal of reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. Women who smoke during pregnancy are contributors to the increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) or obesity in children. The study aims to analyze the relationship between maternal smoking during pregnancy and childhood obesity in Asia Pacific countries. A literature review was identified by Pubmed, the Lancet, and Science Direct. The review is limited to original research conducted in the Asia Pacific region and limited to 2010 to 2020. The article was screened and extracted using the PRISMA flow chart. A total of 5 articles that met the criteria were reviewed, consisting of 3 articles with a prospective cohort design, one article with a population-based survey, and one article with a cross-sectional design. The article’s results showed that maternal smoking during pregnancy has been shown to significantly influence the occurrence of obesity in children. Women who smoke during pregnancy are associated with obesity in children in the Asia Pacific region. This contributes to the risk factors that cause obesity in children and provides information for policymakers and health professionals in making anti-smoking programs or interventions for mothers during pregnancy.