Prenatal diet linked to overweight babies

23 Oct 2008

Mums-to-be who follow an unhealthy diet during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to overweight babies and increase their unborn child's risk of developing obesity-related illnesses in later life, new research suggests.

A study conducted at the University of New South Wales found a link between prenatal diet and childhood obesity, which can result in greater risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Lead researcher professor Morris explained: "Maternal obesity and overfeeding early on in life caused significant changes in the chemicals that regulate appetite, which may suggest that the babies were programmed to eat differently from those born from lean mothers.

"As brain control of appetite is likely set early in life, nutrient availability in the fetal or early post-natal period may contribute to adult obesity."

Previous studies have shown that a mother's dietary choices during pregnancy can have an affect on the future appetite and food preferences of the child.

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