A new US study has revealed a worrying link between maternal consumption of “extremely processed” foods and an increased risk of childhood obesity. In the study above bmj.com was published, the diets of more than 14,000 mothers and almost 20,000 children were examined. It found that mothers who ate the most ultra-processed foods were almost a quarter times more likely that their child between the ages of 7 and 17 would be obese than mothers who ate the least of these foods.
Widespread in the modern western diet
The research suggests that there is a link between a mother’s consumption of ultra-processed foods and the risk of her child becoming overweight or obese. These foods include, but are not limited to, packaged baked goods and snack foods, carbonated beverages, and sugary cereals. These are “widespread in the modern Western diet and are associated with weight gain in adults,” the researchers said in one press release.
The group with the highest maternal consumption of ultra-processed foods (12.1 servings/day) had a 26% greater risk of their child developing overweight or obesity than the group with the lowest consumption (3.4 servings/day). Other potentially influential factors such as physical activity, smoking and standard of living were also considered but were not as strongly associated with childhood obesity. “Maternal consumption of ultra-processed foods during parenting has been associated with an increased risk of overweight or obesity in offspring, independent of maternal and offspring lifestyle risk factors,” the researchers said.
Further investigations necessary
The study used data from several large, ongoing studies with detailed assessments of dietary habits over a relatively long period of time. The study found that there is a consistent association between processed food consumption and an increased risk of obesity. However, the study had some limitations. So you can’t make any direct statements regarding the reason and the consequence of certain actions.
Nevertheless, the study provides valuable information regarding the possible health risks associated with the consumption of fast food and other processed foods. Further studies are now required to confirm the results and to understand the underlying biological mechanisms and environmental factors. “These data underscore the importance of refining dietary recommendations and developing programs to improve the nutrition of women of reproductive age to promote offspring health.”
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