Study: Obesity Makes Strange Sperm

When preparing to conceive, women often try to be more mindful of their prenatal health, and men should do the same: a new study has concluded that the sperm cells of lean and obese men have different genetic markers, particularly in regards to appetite control. What does that mean? The study author Romain Barrès says that lifestyle and environmental factors, like a person's nutritional state, can "modify the eating behavior of the next generation." This makes evolutionary sense if a child is born during a famine, when a lower appetite would be an advantage. But in this case, it means that obese men may make hungrier babies – and it's a call for men to maintain healthy weights and diets if they're hoping for the healthiest child possible.

Someone forward you this email? No Sweat! Sign up here to get your own If you're having trouble viewing this email, click here Follow Us Study: Obesity Makes Strange Sperm When preparing to conceive, women often try to be more mindful of their prenatal health, and men should do the same: a new study has concluded that the sperm cells of lean and obese men have different genetic markers, particularly in regards to appetite control. What does that mean? The study author Romain Barrès says that lifestyle and environmental factors, like a person's nutritional state, can "modify the eating behavior of the next generation.” This makes evolutionary sense if a child is born during a famine, when a lower appetite would be an advantage. But in this case, it means that obese men may make hungrier babies – and it’s a call for men to maintain healthy weights and diets if they’re hoping for the healthiest child possible.  Nicholas English Content Manager of About.com Health The Obesity Master Switch: How to "Turn On" Obesity READ NOW The Ultimate Guide to Trying for a Baby    READ NOW Everything You Need to Know About Baby-Making Sex    READ NOW 5 Signs You're at Risk for Obesity READ NOW Trending Now • Holiday Survival Tips for Keeping the Weight Off • So How Else Can I Control My Child's Weight? • How to Start Exercising From Scratch • The Best Postpartum Exercise Routine • Some Fruits You Should Avoid If You Have Type 2 Diabetes • The Complete Guide to Healthier Sex • What Not to Do During Colonoscopy Prep Advertisement About Health  |  Follow Us You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Health newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2015 About.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.