Overweight pregnant women are 'condemning children to lifetime of obesity'

Right conclusion, wrong reason.

"Pregnant women who are overweight could be condemning their children to a lifetime of obesity unless they trim down while trying for a baby, U.S. experts say.

Researchers from medical centres in New York and Quebec found an obese mother's womb may send a signal to their unborn baby that encourages them to grow into a fat child and adult.

The process is more than just passing along genes that promote obesity but the scientists said they have yet to track down a biological explanation for the signal.

Robert Waterland of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston studies the effects of obesity in mice.

He speculated the signal between mother and offspring could affect the child's brain circuitry and predispose them to making more fat-storing cells."

Garbage.

If you have fewer cells, you still have to store the fat from overeating.

You just do it in fewer, but bigger fat cells.

"Once scientists identify the obesity signal, they may be able to recommend ways to suppress it, perhaps through diet or behavioral strategies."

Bull.

There is no signal.

There is, however, the behavioral matter, i.e., eating too damn many Calories.

"In the meantime, experts say obese women should avoid pregnancy until they lose weight as obesity in pregnancy raises the risk of complications like diabetes, caesarean deliveries and stillbirth."

Yes, as I have been saying for years. (e.g., here)