Mother?s ultra-processed food intake linked to obesity risk in children
A mother?s consumption of ultra-processed foods appears to be linked to an increased risk of overweight or obesity in her offspring, irrespective of other lifestyle risk factors, suggests a US study published by The BMJ today.The researchers say further study is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the factors that might be responsible. But they suggest that mothers might benefit from limiting their intake of ultra-processed foods, and that dietary guidelines should be refined and financial and social barriers removed to improve nutrition for women of child bearing age and reduce childhood obesity.According to the World Health Organization, 39 million children were overweight or obese in 2020, leading to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, cancers, and early death. Ultra-processed foods, such as packaged baked goods and snacks, fizzy drinks and sugary cereals, are commonly found in modern Western style diets and are associated with weight gain in adults. But it?s unclear whether there?s a link between a mother?s consumption of ultra-processed foods and her offspring?s body weight.To explore this further, the researchers drew on data for 19,958 children born to 14,553 mothers (45% boys, aged 7-17 years at study enrollment) from the Nurses? Health Study II (NHS II) and the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS I and II) in the United States.The NHS II is an ongoing study tracking the health and lifestyles of 116,429 US female registered nurse...
