Written by: Hyaal Wehab
A big topic of discussion in the medical world today is Obesity. When it comes to maternity, obesity of mothers comes into question as well. Does the obesity of pregnant woman affect the health of their offspring? Doctors looked further into this topic and came to certain conclusions.
Recently, studies claim that maternal obesity increases risks of infant obesity or adulthood obesity. An increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) during pregnancy can also increase risks of obesity in a child’s lifetime, which can increase their risk in developing certain diseases in their lifetime, such as cardiovascular diseases. It is also predicted that offspring of obese mothers will be more insulin resistant and have more unnatural metabolic issues. Though the potential risks are clear, it is not only obesity in mothers that can cause these results to occur. Studies show that obesity can also be passed on through the father's sperm. This can not only affect his children but his grandchildren as well. A study in mice showed that the grandfather mouse can affect his children and grandchildren, because even if the father of the grandchildren ate well and had a proper diet at the time of conception, their children still had risk for their metabolic health. These studies are very important to the health future generations, because with this information, people can start making changes to a healthy lifestyle, and avoid future health risks for their offspring.
I like the fact that you took the time to look into a topic such as this, specifically a topic most people over look as unimportant. Also that your information is so important and helpful to young people when thinking about their future offspring. I wonder what make you look into and write about this? -Catana Brooks, Team Human Bio
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