Smoking During Pregnancy Causes Obesity in the Baby

Smoking during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of overweight in children, researchers say. According to the results of the researchers’ study, smoking during pregnancy, refusing to eat breakfast or not getting enough sleep may lead to obesity or overweight in children. Smoking during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of overweight in children. Researchers attribute this to the link between fetal exposure to tobacco and the baby’s motor coordination, which can be a pathway leading to an increase in body mass index. Overweight and obesity are associated with poorer mental health in children that continues into adolescence and adulthood. This poor mental health will include low self-esteem, feelings of unhappiness, as well as risky behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. “This study shows that disruptions in common lifestyles, such as irregular sleep patterns and skipping breakfast, can affect weight gain by increasing appetite and consuming more energy-dense foods,” said Noe Kelly, a professor at University College London.