By Fiona Macrae
|
Overweight mothers-to-be could be condemning their unborn children to decades of ill health.
Babies whose mothers were carrying extra pounds when pregnant are more likely to be fat and unhealthy as adults, researchers say.
While it is well known that overweight mothers-to-be risk having big babies who grow into overweight children, this study is one of the first to show the legacy can still be felt years later.
Children whose mothers put on lots of weight while carrying them were likely to become overweight adults (posed picture)
Not only does it affect weight but overall health, including blood pressure, cholesterol and blood-sugar levels. This could raise the risk of a host of illnesses, from strokes to diabetes and heart attacks.
The findings, from a study of women who gave birth in Jerusalem in the mid-1970s and their children, come amid fears that obesity among pregnant British women is reaching epidemic proportions.
Almost half of women of child-bearing age are overweight or obese and more than 15 per cent of pregnant women are dangerously overweight.
The researchers weighed and measured 1,400 men and women aged 32 and did a series of blood tests. The results were then compared with data collected about their mothers when they gave birth to them.
The analysis, published in the journal Circulation, showed clear links between the two.
The adults whose mothers were the most overweight before becoming pregnant were heavier than the sons and daughters of the lightest women.
Waistlines were on average more than three inches bigger, blood pressure and levels of dangerous blood fats were higher, and readings for ‘good’ cholesterol lower.
Larger children are more likely to be rooted to the couch than encouraged to exercise
Men and women whose mothers put on a lot of weight while pregnant were also more likely to be too heavy for their height as adults.
Lead researcher Dr Hagit Hochner, of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said: ‘We know now that events occurring early in life to foetuses have long-lasting consequences for the health of the adult.’
Study co-author Professor Orly Manor added: ‘In an age of an “overweight epidemic†in the world, it is important to know the factors that are involved in leading to overweight and other health risks.
'This understanding makes it essential that we identify these early windows of opportunity in which we can intervene to reduce the risks of chronic illness later in life.’
It is believed mothers may pass on ‘fat’ genes and unhealthy eating habits to their children.
But conditions in the womb are also thought to be important. For instance, exposure to high amounts of sugar and fat may lead to long-lasting changes in appetite control or the storage of fat.
Obese mothers-to-be are more likely to need a caesarean section and are at greater risk of losing blood while giving birth. Their children are more likely to be stillborn or die in the first weeks or months of life and to suffer other birth defects such as club foot or cleft lip.
Concern about the issue is so high that British doctors have started to medicate babies in the womb. In an NHS trial, overweight mothers-to-be in four cities are being given the diabetes drug metformin in a desperate attempt to stop their babies being born obese.
If the trial is a success, the treatment could be in widespread use within five years, with tens of thousands of obese mothers-to-be drugged each year.
Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said the Israeli study underlined how ‘desperately important’ it was for women to get in shape before they conceived.
-
Sexy photograph of Madonna posing naked on a bed while... -
Why man's best friend is also his worst photobomber:... -
Newlywed found stabbed to death in bathtub still wearing her... -
The most dangerous drug in the world: 'Devil's Breath'... -
'You just don't think it happens to men': Husband who... -
Bristol Palin sells Arizona home for $175,000 and heads back... -
Illegal immigrant worked as airport security supervisor for... -
Now THAT'S a trick of the light: Photographer's stunning... -
Clinging to life by his fingertips: First images of boy who... -
Woman buys foreclosed home and spends thousands on... -
The 'jealous' First Lady: How Michelle orders women close to... -
The Zodiac killer 'identified': Infamous Sixties murderer is...
Share this article:
Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
The comments below have not been moderated.
- Newest
- Oldest
- Best rated
- Worst rated
People - this is looking at general trends. There are always individuals that don't fit the pattern, that does not invalidate the conclusion. It is not trying to have a go at overweight women either, rather it points out that there are consequences for a child. If you take it personally - that is your issue. People who are overweight/obese have more chance of having various health conditions that cost them in both quality and quantity of life - such as type-2 diabetes, heart disease etc. All this study is showing is that the children of overweight/obese mothers have a greater chance of also having these problems. If people are willing to take this information on board and lose some weight before pregnancy, and not pile on an excess amount during pregnancy than their child has a greater chance of a healthier life
Report abuse
LOL @ the comment 'how did they get pregnant in the first place?' comment. I'd like to think this is because the poster thought being overweight reduces your chance of conceiving - but sadly, they probably mean who would have sex with a fat person?!! Horrible world we live in.
Report abuse
Another stupid waste of money. How do they come up with so much rubbish time after time.
Report abuse
I am sick to death of all these spurious articles on obesity. It is soooooooooooo boring.
Report abuse
How did they get pregnant?
Report abuse
Jessica Simpson take note!
Report abuse
My mother was a healthy normal weight and has been all her seventy odd years I was 4lb 9oz at birth and as an adult I am very over weight so I don't think it's true
Report abuse
Yet again with the 'overweight women have big babies. I have always been underweight, yet my son was 10lb4. Stop generalising. You either take care of yourself or you don't!
Report abuse
My mother is obese and I have a BMI of 20 (perfectly healthy). We ate healthy home made food, including lots of vegetables, she just has a much larger appetite than me.
Report abuse
I am overweight. I have suffered years of bullying and abuse - but nothing has made me lose weight. I am PETRIFIED that my son would suffer the same fate as me, and have therefore ensured he eats perfectly. I am SCARED to feed him rubbish incase he gets a taste for it an as such, he has only ever eaten healthily. He is a normal weight - and absolutely thriving. I believe it is not having an overweight parent that will make their children overweight, simply the ones who don't care / don't know how to eat properly.
Report abuse
The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar