Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 6: A recent study has revealed that exposure to the aroma of fatty foods during pregnancy may increase the risk of obesity and diabetes in children later in life.

Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research found that pregnant mothers who inhaled strong fatty food smells passed on changes to their offspring that made them prone to overeating and weight gain. The findings have been published in the prestigious journal Nature.

The research, carried out on mice, showed that even when expectant mothers consumed a healthy low-fat diet, the scent of fat-rich items such as bacon influenced the development of the fetal brain. The pups later showed heightened hunger responses and poor insulin control as adults.

According to researchers, babies are exposed to food smells through amniotic fluid before birth and through breast milk after birth. These scents stimulate brain areas connected to food reward and appetite, creating a long-lasting impact on eating behaviour.

The study suggests that it is not just the mother’s weight but also the types of foods she consumes — particularly those with strong fatty aromas — that may affect the child’s future health. Scientists emphasise that further human studies are needed, but the findings underline the importance of mindful food habits during pregnancy.

The researchers added that early life experiences can shape food preferences and metabolism, and healthy choices by mothers can help prevent lifestyle diseases in children as they grow.