New research shows a simple trick for cutting obesity in children
Dads could potentially prevent their children from gaining excessive weight by taking a daily fish oil supplement. Scientists have suggested that a father-to-be’s diet and drinking habits can impact his child’s health.
A new study involving mice indicates that a paternal fish oil supplement may reduce the risk of obesity in offspring. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that the number of young people aged five to 19 who are clinically obese has increased from 31 million in 1990 to 160 million in 2022.
Doctors warn that early weight gain can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, and may also contribute to low self-esteem and depression. To investigate whether a father’s diet could affect the health of his children, American researchers fed male mice a high-fat diet with or without added fish oil.
They discovered that the offspring of males who consumed fish oil had lower body weights and exhibited better metabolic health than those whose fathers did not take fish oil supplements. Dr Latha Ramalingam, the study leader, stated: “While further human studies are needed, this discovery opens a new frontier in our understanding of how parents, beyond just genetics, influence their offspring’s well-being. Fish oil, a readily available and safe supplement, could become a powerful weapon in our fight for a healthier next generation.”
The research team has announced a pioneering study focusing on paternal inheritance patterns.
Their previous investigations highlighted the positive impact of fish oil supplements in mothers, reducing the risk of obesity in their children.
In their latest experiment, over 140 male mice were fed a high-fat diet, with some receiving additional fish oil, before mating with females on a standard low-fat diet.
The offspring of the fish oil-supplemented fathers showed lower body weights at seven and 21 days old compared to those whose fathers did not receive fish oil.
Additionally, the female progeny of the fish oil group exhibited enhanced metabolic health, including better glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity.
Dr Ramalingam of Syracuse University commented: “This concept offers a significant potential to reshape our strategies in combating childhood obesity.”
“Imagine a future where dietary advice before conception isn’t just for mothers but includes fathers too, empowering them to contribute actively to their children’s health from the very beginning.”
The team is now delving into how dietary shifts can influence sperm.
These new insights were shared at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual event in Chicago.
