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" Scottish babies could be born with a genetic disposition towards being obese thanks to the unhealthy diets of their mothers, a recent study warns.  According to new research into the growth rates of British babies, those born north of the border typically grow at a faster rate than their English or Welsh counterparts, with scientists believing that this may be due to the poor diets of Scottish mothers during pregnancy.  Researchers based at King&amp;#039;s College and University College London weighed nearly 13,000 babies at birth and then at nine months to judge their growth speed.  They found that the increased weight gain of the Scottish babies could not be explained by other environmental or genetic factors, leading them to suggest that the nutrition they receive whilst still in the womb could have an effect.  Writing in the International Journal of Obesity, the researchers suggest that as the unborn baby is exposed to the poor diet of its mother, it responds as if nutrition outside the womb is inadequate, leading to it putting on weight immediately after birth.  The findings demonstrate the increased importance of good diet during pregnancy.  However, scientist stress that this may only be one factor in determining weight, with healthy eating and regular exercise both important in preventing obesity and the associated health problems. \u00A9 Adfero Ltd "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/news/a13899/mothers-poor-diet-causing-obese-babies/>