Babies delivered through a caesarean section are more likely to be obese as they grow up compared to babies delivered naturally.
A recent study by Harvard University researchers shows that babies who entered the world by caesarean section were 15% more likely to be affected by obesity as adults than those who were through the vaginal since the children will lack contact with beneficial bacteria found in the birth canal. The bacteria build up baby’s immune system and helps prepare their metabolism for the rigours of life.
For the babies born in a C-section that was not medically necessary the chances are higher, with a 30 percent, more likely to be fat.
“Children born via C-section harbour less diverse gut bacteria… the effects of which he compares to having (the bacteria)…(leads to ) a slower metabolism.” Said Audrey Gaskins, researcher in the study
‘Caesarean delivered babies show a gut bacterial population which more closely resembles the bacteria found on skin, compared to a vaginally delivered baby which shows a more typical gut bacterial population.’ Said Dr Simon Cork of Imperial College London
The research also showed kids born via C-section are 64 per cent more likely to be obese than their brothers and sisters born by vaginal birth.
A C-section birth translated into an 18% greater risk of obesity for boys and a 12% increased risk of obesity for girls, according to the study.
“Although more research is needed to understand exactly how a mom’s microbiome influences her child’s risk of obesity, the new findings should prompt doctors and pregnant women to think twice about C-sections that aren’t medically necessary, the study authors concluded.” Said Los Angeles times
