Researchers at Laval University in Quebec found that obesity the mother during pregnancy can affect the health of her child later in life. When the child is older, they have an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
The study involved 20 women who underwent gastric bypass surgery after having children. The researchers, led by Marie-Claude Vohl Institute of Laval nutrition and functional foods, examined the genes of children born before surgery, as well as their siblings who were born after the surgery.
The research team found that children born to women who underwent gastric bypass surgery were less likely to be obese. Children are born with less body fat, better blood pressure and sugar levels in the blood healthier than children born before their mothers underwent surgery.
"What we see here is the impact of obesity not only on the mother but the impact of obesity on the next generation," says Vohl.
the new research expands on previous findings that highlight the importance of a healthy diet and exercise. women who plan to become pregnant should set an objective of maintaining a healthy body weight before, during and after pregnancy. a healthy mother helps ensure their children will reduce the likelihood of developing heart problems later in life.