Smelling bacon when pregnant increases obesity risk in children

Scientists say smelling fatty foods such as bacon when pregnant can have a knock-on effect on the unborn child's life

Many mums-to-be find themselves eating a whole range of foods they might otherwise limit when they are pregnant. As hormones rage, some people will choose healthier options while others can enjoy tucking into fatty foods such as bacon.

However, researchers have now found that the smell of fatty foods during pregnancy increases the risk of children being overweight or obese. And this was the case even in slim and healthy mothers.

The findings have turned current thinking on its head. Sophie Steculorum, who led the study, said: “What we discovered changes how we think a mother’s diet can influence the health of her children.

"Until now, the focus has mostly been on mate