Maternal leptin and its derived indices (LAR, FLI) were associated with maternal overweight/obesity, whereas maternal adiponectin and cord blood leptin were related to neonatal birth weight.<h4>Conclusion</h4>These findings point to leptin, adiponectin, FLI, and LAR as possible metabolic indicators of GDM-linked insulin resistance, and low-grade inflammation. Here, LEP is linked to obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.