A new study suggests a baby girl's birth weight could impact her risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis as an adult
Researchers examined the birth weight and medical histories of over 87,000 women between the ages of 30 and 55. They found those who weighed ten pounds or more at birth were twice as likely to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis than women born between seven and eight and a half pounds.
Researchers aren't sure why but speculate the abnormal hormone regulation that affects rheumatoid arthritis patients could be started in the womb.
And in other medical news...
Many studies have shown that a diet high in fat and sugar can be hazardous to your health. But when you're eating for two that junk food can do twice the damage.
British researchers discovered when female rats were fed a poor diet during pregnancy and lactation it had dangerous effects on their children.
Even if the baby rats were fed a healthy diet after birth, they developed a variety of medical problems, like high cholesterol, increased glucose levels and obesity. Female offspring were especially at risk for diabetes and obesity. Researchers say their findings could translate to humans and are calling for more studies.