Royal College of Physicians Urges National Action as Maternal Obesity Reaches One in Four Pregnancies

Credit: World Obesity Federation

(IN BRIEF) The Royal College of Physicians has issued a major warning that maternal obesity now affects one in four pregnancies in the UK and represents an urgent public health crisis, outlining in a new RCP View the significant risks to mothers and babies, the disproportionate impact on deprived communities, and the growing pressure on maternity services, while calling for coordinated national action across seven policy areas — including universal pre-pregnancy education led by the Departments of Education and Health and Social Care — with expert input from University of Southampton Professor Keith Godfrey and a clear emphasis on tackling the social, environmental, and systemic drivers of obesity to improve outcomes for current and future generations.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOUTHAMPTON, 4-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has issued a stark warning that maternal obesity has reached a critical level in the UK, affecting around one in four pregnancies and requiring urgent, coordinated national action.

In a newly published RCP View on Obesity and Maternal Health, the College sets out evidence that obesity among women and people of childbearing age is a rapidly escalating public health challenge with serious implications for both mothers and their children. The report was developed by a panel of leading clinicians and researchers, including Professor Keith Godfrey of the University of Southampton, who co-chairs the UK Preconception Partnership and leads a theme within the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre.

The briefing highlights that obesity in pregnancy is associated with significantly increased risks of complications such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, caesarean delivery, and postpartum haemorrhage. These risks are not evenly distributed: maternal obesity rates are highest in the most deprived communities, deepening existing health inequalities. National data have also shown that nearly two-thirds of women who died during pregnancy or shortly after birth were living with overweight or obesity, underlining the severity of the issue.

Beyond immediate pregnancy outcomes, the RCP warns that rising levels of maternal obesity place growing strain on maternity services and contribute to avoidable harm. Emerging research suggests that children born to mothers with obesity face a higher risk of cardiometabolic disease and other adverse health outcomes later in life, perpetuating health inequalities across generations.

To address this, the RCP calls for system-wide action spanning seven key policy areas, with a strong emphasis on prevention before pregnancy. Professor Godfrey stressed the need for government leadership, urging the Departments of Education and Health and Social Care to develop a structured, inclusive approach to pre-pregnancy education for all genders. He argued that education on nutrition, physical activity, and reproductive health should begin in primary school and continue through higher education and the workplace.

The RCP View frames obesity as a chronic, systemic condition shaped by a complex interplay of social, economic, environmental, genetic, and cultural factors, as well as stigma and mental health. Dr Kath McCullough, the RCP’s special adviser on obesity, said that maternal obesity is a clear signal that the UK must tackle the root causes of weight gain. She called for bold, joined-up action across food policy, education, healthcare services, professional training, and research to both prevent obesity and better support women before and after pregnancy.

According to the RCP, a comprehensive and coordinated response would not only improve maternal and infant outcomes but also deliver long-term benefits for families and the NHS.

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SOURCE: University of Southampton