International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Children born to women who become pregnant while dieting could be more likely to be obese or diabetic in later life, according to new women's health research.

The report from the University of Manchester, UK assessed the dietary differences in pregnant sheep to ascertain whether these factors had any effect on the health of the infant.

Researchers believe that a reduced food intake around the time of conception in humans could also possibly alter the DNA of the unborn offspring enough to change the expression of genes which are associated with food intake and glucose levels after birth.

Professor of endocrine sciences Anne White stated that the research had increased the understanding of the biological issues which mean that identical twins are more likely to develop diabetes in later life.

The study was conducted in conjunction with scientists in New Zealand and Canada and will be published in Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

Posted by Alexandra George