Across 47 epidemiologic and 12 animal studies, prenatal cannabis exposure consistently predicted low birth weight, followed by rapid postnatal weight gain, increased body fat, and higher glucose levels in childhood.
OB-GYNs, pediatricians, maternal health researchers, and pregnant individuals considering cannabis use.
What the researchers found
Prenatal cannabis exposure is consistently associated with small for gestational age and low birth weight. After birth, exposed offspring gain weight rapidly and show increased adiposity and higher glucose levels in childhood.
Why it matters
Low birth weight followed by rapid weight gain is a well-established risk trajectory for adult obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If prenatal cannabis exposure initiates this trajectory, the health consequences may not become apparent for decades.
The numbers in context
47 epidemiologic studies and 12 animal studies reviewed. Consistent findings: low birth weight, rapid postnatal weight gain, increased childhood adiposity, higher glucose levels.
How the study worked
Literature review of 47 epidemiologic studies and 12 animal studies identified through PubMed search from January 2014 through June 2023.
What this study cannot tell us
Most studies cannot fully control for confounders (tobacco, alcohol, nutrition, socioeconomic status). THC/CBD ratios and doses vary. Causality not definitively established.
How to read the evidence
Comprehensive review with consistent findings across human and animal studies, though confounding in epidemiologic research limits causal certainty.
When this study was published
2024 publication reviewing studies through June 2023.
The bigger picture
With prenatal cannabis use rising alongside legalization, a generation of children may be on an obesogenic trajectory that was set before birth.
Questions still open
- Does the THC-to-CBD ratio affect the severity of the obesogenic programming?
- Would early metabolic screening of cannabis-exposed children allow preventive interventions?
Common questions
Does cannabis during pregnancy cause childhood obesity?
Why does low birth weight lead to weight gain later?
Read the original research
Prenatal Exposure to Cannabis: Effects on Childhood Obesity and Cardiometabolic Health.
Current obesity reports, 13(1), 154-166
Citation
Moore, Brianna F. (2024). Prenatal Exposure to Cannabis: Effects on Childhood Obesity and Cardiometabolic Health.. Current obesity reports, 13(1), 154-166. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-023-00544-x
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