Obesity is a rising epidemic, which has life-threatening repercussions on the person suffering. But now a study released in a leading journal, General Pediatrics has hinted that Obesity in parents might affect the development of the fetus and socio-personal development.
The study conducted studied the effects of both maternal and paternal Obesity in the development of a fetus until the time a child reaches the age of 6. This marked a change from earlier studies when only Obesity in mother was considered.
Effects of Maternal Obesity
The effects of Obesity in the mother had direct and dire consequences for the child she is carrying. The study found that a child born to an obese mother is 3 times more likely to have autism by age 3, and 4 times more likely to suffer from ADHD by age 6, than a child born to a non-obese mother.
Obesity during pregnancy may promote inflammation, which can affect the development of the fetal brain. Thus Obesity poses a threat to the overall development of your child.
Effects of Paternal Obesity
Breaking from the earlier tradition of the Development Origin Hypothesis, where only Obesity in mothers was studied. Paternal Obesity was also observed to determine the overall effect of parental Obesity on the development of children.
It was observed that the children born to an obese father failed at personal and social activities. They lacked at activities that were aced by children of non-obese parents. The children had trouble feeding themselves, playing with the other children of their age, undressing themselves. While their analytical skills also were affected as they failed problem-solving tests.
This indicates that not only Obesity poses immediate threats but also long term threats to future generations. This forces us to rethink how seriously we should be taking Obesity.
To know more, book a consultation at Mohak Bariatrics and Robotics Centre and treat Obesity before planning for a baby. Call – 6232012342