0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

In This Article

Fat chance: Mothers’ junk food indulgence may make children obese, finds study
104

Fat chance: Mothers’ junk food indulgence may make children obese, finds study

A mother’s indulgence in ultra-processed foods ups the risk of obesity in her children
woman eating junk food
Representational Image | Shutterstock

Every time a woman conceives, she is overloaded with information concerning her nutrition. Elders in the family often monitor every move of the expectant mother, in anticipation of a healthy new-born. However, a mother’s eating habits that go into shaping a child’s health, are formed long before she conceives. These habits tend to be passed on to the child.

A recent study on a large population of mothers by Andrew T Chan, professor at the clinical and translational epidemiology unit and division of gastroenterology, Harvard Medical School, published in The

WHO reports that 39 million children below the age of five were overweight in 2020 and 340 million children and adolescents between the age of 5 and 19 were in the same category. Though the consumption of ultra-processed foods is the leading cause of obesity in children, experts hypothesised that there could be a link between the mother’s food consumption and offspring’s obesity.

In a study that spanned over two decades, researchers tracked 19,958 children born to 14,553 mothers and found that a mother’s dietary habit influences her children’s food choices throughout their adolescence. Comparing the higher (12.1 servings/day) and lower (3.4 servings/day) ultra-processed food-consumption among mothers during child rearing days, they found that the higher the consumption, the greater the risk of obesity in their children.

Ultra-processed foods like baked snacks and bread, sugary beverages, dairy-based desserts, frozen and ready-to-eat meals, sauces, spreads and gravies, breakfast cereals, and processed meats are some of the most accessible (but avoidable) culprits for this obesity load in adults.

What the experts had to say

Children are moulded by the practices of their families.  They are often seen impersonating their mother or father, adapting their way of life.  These habits trickle down deeper to impact how and what they eat.

“Family members often share similar food consumption patterns and make similar food choices because of the home environment that they have in common,” says Neha Khandpur, one of the co-authors of the study and a research scientist at Centre for Epidemiological studies in Health and Nutrition, University of São Paulo, Brazil, and department of nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, USA.

Moreover, a mother’s food choices could also impact the genetic construct of her children, making them prone to being overweight. It was evident from the study that as the quality of the mother’s food declines, both mother and child were equally susceptible to the risks of obesity.

“We are what we eat” turns out to be truer than we acknowledge. A review article published in Frontiers suggests that a woman’s diet during pregnancy could impact not just her child but even future generations.

Although the study does not state the cause behind the results drawn, Khandpur says, “There could certainly be a strong genetic connection between mother and child health that underpins the association seen.”

Are ultra-processed foods the only culprit?

A 2021 study published in Nature, led by  Regina Ensenauer, researcher from Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Germany, found that if both parents are overweight, their child is likely to be overweight as well.

Dr Rajinder Singh, senior resident, department of paediatrics, SMGS Hospital and Government Medical College, Jammu, says that the mother’s health condition during the gestational period also affects the health of the child.

A study published in PLOS states that gestational hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and smoking during pregnancy can also increase the risk of an infant being overweight or obese.

Given several factors are beyond one’s control, it is important to be mindful of the food one eats, and to adopt healthy habits during pregnancy.

Tackling the challenges

As the Harvard T Chan study does not state any cause behind the results drawn, it solidifies the concerns behind the impact of the mother’s diet on the infants’ weight.  “More research, in different parts of the world, with different participants, will be needed to replicate these results and see if they hold, and better uncover what is driving these associations,” says Khandpur.

Counselling is essential to guide adolescents on good eating habits. Parents, teachers, and group sessions can help curb people’s craving for processed and packed foods and encourage them to eat healthier homemade options. Rather than setting restrictions for oneself, one can indulge in junk as a reward for not more than twice a month. A study published in the International Journal of Applied Research found that family-based counselling intervention is more beneficial than peer-based counselling to manage child obesity, particularly between the age of 10-19.

A 50 per cent reduction in the weight and BMI of adolescents was observed following a family-based intervention and 37 per cent reduction following peer-based intervention,” says Dr Singh, the lead author of the study. “Both family and peer intervention have a positive effect, but the family has a greater role, so it is always beneficial,” he adds.

However, dietary guidelines need refining, and financial and social barriers must be re-considered to improve nutrition for women of childbearing age, researchers stated in The BMJ.

Share Your Experience/Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Summit Registration

NOTE: The summit will be held at NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bengaluru.

Wellness Registration Form

-
-
-
Total Amount INR 3000
Trending

Articles

Article
Some couples consciously decide not to have children despite familial and social expectations, wanting to make the best of their relationship. Children should be had for their own sake, says psychotherapist Tasneem Nakhoda
Article
Insufficient consumption of heart-healthy foods can affect cardiovascular health. Experts discuss beneficial dietary choices
Article
Cycling and walking are both great cardiovascular activities that aid weight loss and keep various health conditions away. Pick one that suits your fitness goals and physical condition, say experts
Article
The risk of heart attacks and strokes for middle-aged, overweight people with high blood pressure is 35 percent higher compared to those with a healthy body weight 
Article
Summer drinks, though hydrating, can have excess sugar. Nutritionists suggest a few alternatives to keep the body temperature and sugar levels down
Article
Packed with protein, this recipe will help in weight management by keeping you full for a long time
Trending

Articles

Article
Some couples consciously decide not to have children despite familial and social expectations, wanting to make the best of their relationship. Children should be had for their own sake, says psychotherapist Tasneem Nakhoda
Article
Insufficient consumption of heart-healthy foods can affect cardiovascular health. Experts discuss beneficial dietary choices
Article
Cycling and walking are both great cardiovascular activities that aid weight loss and keep various health conditions away. Pick one that suits your fitness goals and physical condition, say experts

0

0

0

Web Stories 

0

0

0

0

0

0

Opt-in To Our Daily Healthzine

A potion of health & wellness delivered daily to your inbox

Personal stories and insights from doctors, plus practical tips on improving your happiness quotient

Opt-in To Our Daily Healthzine

A potion of health & wellness delivered daily to your inbox

Personal stories and insights from doctors, plus practical tips on improving your happiness quotient
We use cookies to customize your user experience, view our policy here

Your feedback has been submitted successfully.

The Happiest Health team will reach out to you at the earliest