Infant obesity linked to moms' use of processed foods: Study
by
ANNU
Researchers have shown that pregnant women who eat a lot of processed foods, such as packaged goods and carbonated beverages, may be increasing their child's chance of being overweight. Obesity in children may be related to their mothers' use of ultra-processed meals, according to new research. The term "ultra-processed foods" refers to a broad category of foods that have been extensively altered from their natural state. These meals are not only associated with increased maternal and foetal weight, but may also play a role in passing obesity genes to future generations. According to a recent study conducted in the United States and published in The British Medical Journal (BMJ), moms may benefit by adhering to streamlined dietary standards and reducing their consumption of ultra-processed foods. Ultra-processed food intake during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of obesity in offspring, regardless of the mother's weight or other lifestyle factors. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2020 that over 39 million children were overweight or obese, putting them at higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and several malignancies.