David Barker hypothesized that poor nutrition in utero can influence a fetus’ chance of developing chronic disease later in life. Subsequent research has shown that overfeeding and maternal obesity also predispose offspring to metabolic disease. Offspring of obese and diabetic mothers and offspring born to mothers who consume a high-fat diet are more likely to be large for gestational age, have higher body fat, and be at risk for early development of metabolic disease. .....
