Surprisingly, eating a fatty diet has negative consequences regardless of whether the mother is obese or slender.
The study was conducted at the OHSU Oregon National Primate Research Center. Because the placental structure of the Japanese macaque is very similar to that in humans, cause and effect can be better established. The researchers hope their work will inform expectant moms and their physicians about the inherent dangers of a high-calorie, high-fat diet.
- The full OHSU media release is available online