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Chapter 2 - A Fetal Origin of Adult Disease

from Section 1: - General Principles

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 October 2019

By
Mark Hanson  and
Lucy Green
Edited by
Mark D. Kilby ,
Anthony Johnson  and
Dick Oepkes
Mark D. Kilby
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham
Anthony Johnson
Affiliation:
University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Dick Oepkes
Affiliation:
Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum
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Summary

There is a worldwide epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, chronic lung disease, and some forms of cancer; predisposition to these is linked to obesity. This is despite efforts by individuals to modify their diet and lifestyle, and government and global programs aimed at promoting healthy eating or increased physical activity. Some initiatives have begun to target childhood eating and activity. But a strong and international body of scientific and epidemiological data suggests that health interventions should be focused on a much earlier period of development: pregnancy. Expectant couples are often focused on the immediate result of their pregnancy – a viable baby. It may come as a surprise to many of them to hear that the finer details of building a baby are in fact the foundation of lifelong health.

Type
Chapter
Information
Fetal Therapy
Scientific Basis and Critical Appraisal of Clinical Benefits
 , pp. 8 - 19
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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