Mother's prenatal diet linked to child obesity

17 Nov 2008

Pregnant women who continue to follow a high-fat diet could be increasing their child's risk of becoming obese, new research suggests.

Results of a recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience indicate that mothers who eat foods high in fat during pregnancy are likely to produce children with a greater appetite.

Commenting on the findings, lead researcher Dr Sarah Leibowitz from the Rockefeller University in New York told the BBC: "This work provides the first evidence for a foetal programme that links high levels of fats circulating in the mother's blood during pregnancy to the overeating and increased weight gain of offspring after weaning.

"We are programming our children to be fat."

The mother's diet has an effect on the brain development of an unborn child, which lasts throughout their lives.

In response to the latest research, experts advise expectant mums that feeding babies a healthy diet begins at the start of pregnancy.

Please click here for pregnancy advice and pregnancy information.

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