Methods
MAY, SECONDARY, ARTERIAL STIFFNESS, BLOOD
The LIMIT randomised controlled trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12607000161426), with the methods and clinical outcomes reported previously [Following ethics approval and parental written consent, we conducted follow-up of children born to women who participated in the LIMIT randomised trial between 8 and 10 years after birth. Each child assessment was conducted by a trained research assistant who remained blinded to the treatment group allocated at trial entry. Follow-up assessments occurred from May 2019 until May 2021. This time period overlapped with the COVID 19 pandemic, with the ability to attend face-to-face appointments impacted by state-wide lock-downs and restrictions in place at the time.The primary outcome of this follow-up study was BMI z-score > 85th percentile for child age and sex [A range of secondary outcomes were assessed, including:Child Anthropometry was assessed by trained research assistants using an established and validated protocol [Blood Pressure: Child blood pressure was measured in a standardised fashion with a blood pressure cuff of appropriate size.Arterial Stiffness: was assessed via carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and analysis, using a piezoelectric tonometer (SphygmoCor Device AtCor Medical, NSW) [Child dietary intake and physical activity were assessed via caregiver completed questionnaire. Parents were asked to indicate the number of servings of fruits, vegetables, and dairy consumed daily; the consumption of red meat and processed meats per week; and consumption of non-core foods, including salty snacks, fried potatoes, takeaway foods, soft drinks and other “extra” foods [Physical activity was assessed by caregivers using the Children’s Leisure Activities Study Survey (CLASS) [Parents were asked to report the average number of hours their child slept on week days and weekend days and whether their child had a regular bedtime [Child behaviour was assessed using the parent completed Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) for 6–18 year olds. The CBCL measures behavioural and emotional functioning and social competence [Reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy ability were assessed from the National Assessment Program- Numeracy and Literacy (NAPLAN), [Pubertal development was assessed by the parent completed Tanner questionnaire [