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Fetus health can be compromised by parent’s diet before procreation, parent’s overweight can have profound implications for the growth, development and long-term health on the fetus. The lifestyle and habits of fathers, not just mothers, can have a direct impact on the wellbeing of offspring. Preconception period is a critical time when parental health- weight, metabolism and diet can influence the risk of future chronic diseases in children.
Obesity in either or both parents, increases the chances of heart attacks, stroke, immune disease and diabetes in offspring. Maternal obesity enhances levels of inflammation and hormones, which can directly alter the development of the egg and embryo. This increases the risk of chronic disease later in life. Obesity in men leads to deficiencies in sperm quality, malnutrition in mothers can leads to developmental problems in children.
Poor nutrition and obesity are rife among women of reproductive age, and differences between high-income and low-income countries have become less distinct, with typical diets falling far short of nutritional recommendations. Adjusting diet after conception may be too late, micronutrient supplementation started in pregnancy can correct important maternal nutrient deficiencies, but it is not sufficient to fundamentally improve the overall health of the fetus.
haleplushearty.org