You are what your mother ate, reveals study

01 Jul 2008

Mothers who eat a lot of junk food could be passing on cholesterol, diabetes and obesity problems to their children, research has found.

A study by Dr Stephanie Bayol and Professor Neil Stickland of London's Royal Veterinary College found that pregnant rats who were given a diet rich in sugar, salt and fat gave birth to babies which overate junk food.

Even when the offspring were weaned off junk food, they remained overweight and unhealthy, the research showed.

"A mother's diet whilst pregnant and breastfeeding is very important for the long-term health of her child," warned Dr Bayol. "We always say, 'You are what you eat'. In fact, it may also be true that you are what your mother ate."

She added that although it does not mean obesity and ill health are inevitable, it is a sign that mothers should eat responsibly.

The government Foresight report - Tackling Obesity: Future Choices - claimed that that the number of under 20 year olds who are obese could rise from 10% to 15% by 2025.

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