Hormonal
Obesity-associated DNA damage in germ cells (sperm and oocytes) can be transmitted to offspring, potentially causing de novo mutations and affecting the health of future generations.
If you are obese and planning to have children, your current health status can impact your child's genetic health. Obesity can cause DNA damage in sperm and eggs, which may lead to mutations or metabolic issues in the child. Preconception weight management and healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce these risks for your future offspring.
Therefore, it is suspected that the appearance of DNA lesions in germ cells can be transmitted to the genome of future generations. Maternal obesity may cause de novo mutations in the embryo, change the methylation status of the genes in embryo and through miRNA affects the expression of embryonic proteins.
Why this rating
The paper states this is 'suspected' and cites animal/human observational data, indicating lower certainty than direct causal links.
Source
Obesity, DNA Damage, and Development of Obesity-Related Diseases
Marta Włodarczyk et al. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2019
DOI 10.3390/ijms20051146
More from this paper
- Obesity induces systemic DNA damage and inhibits DNA repair mechanisms through chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby increasing the risk of metabolic disorders and cancer.Moderate
- Weight loss interventions, including caloric restriction and bariatric surgery, reduce levels of DNA damage and improve genomic stability in obese individuals.Moderate
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