Physical Wellness

Weight Matters: Fathers Can Pass on Obesity to their Children Study Suggests

By Jenn Loro | Update Date: Dec 06, 2015 04:23 PM EST

A new study reveals that children can inherit undesirable weight traits from their fathers' sperm.

In a recent Danish-led research, weight-related genetic information contained in sperm cells can have serious consequences on children's vulnerability to obesity, BBC reported.

According to Science Daily, alterations of gene behaviors occur in areas of the DNA associated with appetitive control.

In the study conducted by the University of Copenhagen, scientists uncovered the linkage by closely studying the sperm of lean and obese men and of those who were getting weight-loss surgery.

In the results, it was found out that lean and obese men have contrasting epigenetic marks found mainly in genetic areas identified with regulation of appetite.

"Our research could lead to changing behavior, particularly pre-conception behavior of the father," Dr. Romain Barres, the senior proponent and author of the research as quoted in Parent Herald

So, what do these studies suggest?

Livescience mentioned that men are encourage men to stay away from self-destructive habits which could definitely affect the genetic make-up of their future offspring.

American Pregnancy Association also recommended that prospective fathers should complement their wives' health preparation before conception by reciprocating it with equally healthy habits. This means that pregnancy should be viewed as a shared burden between men and women.

Dr. Barres further noted that women are not the only ones being advised to take care of themselves during the pre-conception phase.

While the study appears interesting, Dr. Barres cautiously remarked that the results of the research are not yet definitively conclusive, told BBC.

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