Weight loss surgery could benefit offspring

October 23, 2009 New research suggests that something in an obese woman's womb can program the fetus toward becoming a fat child and adult. Doctors have noticed that women who have weight-loss surgery end up having children with less risk of obesity.

What researchers think is that a heavier women's body may send out some kind of mysterious biological signal. It may even predispose the fetus to make more fat-storing cells.

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine and SUNY Down State Medical Center are now looking into the origins of inherited obesity.