Smoking mothers, children prone to obesity!

According to research by Japanese scientists, women who smoke during pregnancy may have a 3 times higher risk of obesity than those of non-smoking mothers.

This research has been conducted for nearly 20 years by a group of experts, under the guidance of Mr. Zentaro Yamagata, professor of Medical School of Yamanashi University, Japan.

The team followed the medical records of 1,400 Japanese women who gave birth between April 1991 and March 1997, and collected data from about 1,000 of these women 's children since their birth. until 9-10 years old.

The results showed that the risk of obesity among children whose mothers smoke during pregnancy is 2.9 times higher than children whose mothers do not smoke.

Children of smoking pregnant women are 3 times more likely to be obese than those of non-smoking mothers.(Photo: Telegraph)

Fetus in the womb of pregnant women smoking (photo sglos-pct.nhs.uk)

Professor Yamagata said: ' This study shows that women who smoke while pregnant, even in the early stages of pregnancy, also affect children's health in a long period .'

Although the research team does not know the exact causal link, it is likely that when the mother smokes, the fetus in the womb is deprived of the necessary nutrients.

The team speculates that children who are undernourished from the womb often eat more after they are born and grow up. Mr. Yamagata said: ' We do not know the truth yet, but it is important to quit smoking '.

The results of this study were published at a conference of public health professionals in Japan last, and will be published in the December 2007 edition of a North American magazine.