Moms' Eating Habits May Affect Kids' Breathing

A recent study has uncovered a surprising link between moms' eating habits and their kids' breathing problems. It turns out that women who struggle with eating disorders might have a higher chance of having children with asthma or wheezing. The research, which looked at data from nearly 131, 500 moms and their kids across Europe, found that eating disorders could lead to a 26% higher risk of asthma in school-age children and a 25% higher risk of wheezing in preschoolers. This was true no matter what type of eating disorder the mom had or if she also struggled with other mental health issues like depression or anxiety. The researchers think that the stress and other factors related to eating disorders might affect how a baby's lungs develop before birth. This could explain why kids born to moms with eating disorders are more likely to have breathing problems. However, the study couldn't prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The team behind the study believes that doctors should start paying more attention to eating disorders during pregnancy. They argue that screening and supporting moms with eating disorders could help improve their kids' respiratory health. It's important to note that the percentage of moms with eating disorders varied widely in the different studies, ranging from 1% to 17%. Similarly, the rates of asthma and wheezing in kids also varied, with asthma affecting between 2% and nearly 18% of kids, and wheezing affecting between 21% and nearly 50%. While the study raises some interesting questions, it's clear that more research is needed to fully understand the connection between moms' eating habits and their kids' breathing problems. In the meantime, it's a good reminder that taking care of moms' health is crucial for the well-being of their children.