Could excessive weight gain during pregnancy increase childhood obesity risk?

Yes: Surprisingly, a new study revealed that moms who gained excessive amounts during their pregnancies tended to have children who battled their own obesity issues. The causes were unclear, but, of course, genetics did seem to play a contributing role. The take-home message? Childhood obesity does start before birth.

Maybe: 80% of childhood obesity is genetic, if one parent is obese 50% chance each child will be oveweight, both parents its 80=90% chance. The other 10 or 20% is solely environment (soda, juices, fast food etc) excessive weight gain may indicate diabetes however. Best advice is not to gain too much weight whether you are normal or overweight when you conceive.