New research has turned up another reason for women to avoid smoking during pregnancy. A recent study in the journal Gut Microbes has found an association between mothers smoking during pregnancy and a higher risk of their children becoming overweight or obese.
Childhood obesity is a growing concern globally, affecting more than 18 per cent of children and adolescents aged five to 19 in 2020, a startling increase from just four per cent back in 1975.
And it's a big problem. The study notes childhood obesity is linked to such negative outcomes as poorer health and lower self-esteem, and an increased likelihood of being bullied.
