Obesity on Early Pregnancy and Cardiometabolic Profile on the Preterm Period: A Retrospective Prevalence‐Based Study Among Cameroonian Pregnant Women

ABSTRACT Objectives To assess the prevalence and determinants of early pregnancy obesity (EPO) and its effects on the preterm cardiometabolic profile. Materials and Methods This study was conducted at the antenatal care unit of the Dschang district hospital. Apparently healthy Cameroonian pregnant women in the third trimester of their pregnancy were included in the study. Participants were assessed on sociodemographic, lifestyle parameters, and dietary habits using standardised and structured questionnaires. Early pregnancy weight was collected from medical records. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and biochemical markers were measured using standard procedures. Results The study included 195 pregnant women. The prevalence of EPO was 31.28% (95%CI: 24.85–38.30) associated with age (OR: 1.17; 95%CI: 1.07–1.27; p = 0.0002) and dietary habits including regular consumption of raw vegetables at least 1 day a week (OR: 0.25; 95%CI: 0.10–0.62; p = 0.003). EPO significantly affects the blood level of HDL cholesterol in participants, with a significantly lower (p = 0.039) concentration in participants with EPO (42.42 ± 25.30 mg/dL) than in normal weight (58.22 ± 43.97 mg/dL) or overweight (55.88 ± 38.64 mg/dL) participants. Simple linear models show a decrease of 1.18 mg/dL in HDL cholesterol concentration with an increase of 1 kg/m2 in Early Pregnancy Body Mass Index (EPB): (b = −1.18; p = 0.02) and a decrease in the overall weight gain with EPB (b = −0.16; p = 0.01). Conclusion The prevalence of EPO was 31.28% (95%CI: 24.85–38.30), associated with age and dietary habits. It significantly affects the concentration of HDL cholesterol and the weight gain during the preterm period.