Is Cesarean Birth a Risk Factor for Childhood Obesity?

Author

John Hosley, University of the PacificFollow

Date of Award

4-1-2019

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Department

Physician Assistant Education

First Advisor

Mark Christiansen

Abstract

Most would agree that obesity is among one of the greatest challenges that providers face in healthcare. Most often the focus is on diet and activity as the primary factors responsible for weight management. Is it possible that the type of birth method predisposes a child to a life of uphill battles in management of weight and comorbidities? Overweight and obese children likely develop into obese adults increasing the likelihood of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease at a younger age.4 Is there global evidence that otherwise healthy babies, who have been born by c-section compared with those born naturally, are at risk for obesity over the course of their childhoods?

Recommended Citation

Hosley, John, "Is Cesarean Birth a Risk Factor for Childhood Obesity?" (2019). Physician Assistant Capstones. 21.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/pa-capstones/21