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Open Access 01-10-2019 | Obesity | Review

Paternal impact on the life course development of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the offspring

Authors: Gemma C. Sharp, Debbie A. Lawlor

Published in: Diabetologia | Issue 10/2019

Abstract

The aetiologies of obesity and type 2 diabetes are incredibly complex, but the potential role of paternal influences remains relatively understudied. A better understanding of paternal influences on offspring risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes could have profound implications for public health, clinical practice and society. In this review, we outline potential biological and social mechanisms through which fathers might exert an impact on the health of their offspring. We also present a systematically compiled overview of the current evidence linking paternal factors to offspring development of obesity and type 2 diabetes throughout the life course. Although evidence is accumulating to support paternal associations with offspring outcomes, more high-quality research is needed to overcome specific methodological challenges and provide stronger causal evidence.

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Title: Paternal impact on the life course development of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the offspring
Authors: Gemma C. Sharp
Debbie A. Lawlor
Publication date: 01-10-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Obesity
Obesity
Type 2 Diabetes
Epigenetics
Published in: Diabetologia / Issue 10/2019
Print ISSN: 0012-186X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0428
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-019-4919-9

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