Washington, Mar 10 (ANI): A new study has revealed that low birth weight children are "programmed" to eat more because they develop less neurons in the region of the brain that controls food intake.
The study by Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed) suggests that overeating is programmed at the level of stem cells before birth when the mother has poor or inadequate nutrition.
The find is important in that it offers potential opportunities for prevention and treatment for obesity and other related disorders.
"This study demonstrates the importance of maternal nutrition and health in reducing obesity," said Dr. Mina Desai.
"Obesity and its related diseases are the leading cause of death in our society, yet we have few effective strategies for prevention or treatment. These studies suggest maternal nutrition could play a critical role in preventing obesity and related disease."
The findings of altered brain development suggest that foetal growth restriction may be associated with cognitive and/or behavioural alterations.
The study is published today in the journal, Brain Research. (ANI)
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