Results from a recent animal study indicate that children whose moms were obese during the time they conceived were more likely to have the tendency to be obese, too. It may be that the babies are born with normal birth weights, but they are more susceptible to being obese later in life if exposed to high-fat diets.

These findings add to the existing body of evidence showing that both maternal obesity and genetic background influence offspring's susceptibility to obesity. It goes further, to highlight the role of post-natal obesegenic diet as a determinant in revealing subtle programming imposed by maternal obesity. The results also demonstrate that high levels of adiposity (body fat) occur in the offspring of obese mothers despite consuming similar calories as their lean-offspring counterparts and that offspring obesity is associated with insulin resistance.

These findings highlight the importance of being healthy and fit, even prior to pregnancy.

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