Researchers investigated whether a father’s consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with measures of newborn growth and body composition. <\/p>\n
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Ultra-processed foods<\/a> include products such as processed meats, sugary drinks, packaged snacks, cookies and other industrially manufactured foods containing ingredients and additives not typically used in home cooking. <\/p>\n In the study, these foods accounted for an average of 30 percent of fathers’ calorie intake. <\/p>\n After adjusting for factors such as age, education, smoking, alcohol use and physical activity, the researchers found that higher ultra-processed food consumption among fathers was associated with increased birth weight, a higher ponderal index\u2014a measure of body proportionality at birth\u2014and greater skinfold thickness in the thigh and supra-iliac regions of newborns. <\/p>\n The findings suggest that preconception health is not solely a mother’s responsibility. Daniela Sartorelli, a professor at the Ribeir\u00e3o Preto School of Medicine at the University of S\u00e3o Paulo (FMRP-USP) who coordinated the study, said both prospective mothers and fathers should adopt healthy habits before trying to conceive.<\/p>\n “Our data suggest that both the mother and the father should follow a healthy diet during the preconception period,” Sartorelli told Newsweek.<\/p>\n Sartorelli said the study focused specifically on how diet may affect newborn health, but noted previous research has linked a father’s weight, exercise habits, and use of alcohol and tobacco to child health outcomes as well.<\/p>\n “It is therefore suggested that both the expectant mother and father should adopt a healthy lifestyle before conception,” she added.<\/p>\n Sartorelli also said the findings support limiting ultra-processed foods before pregnancy.<\/p>\n “The data suggest that both expectant mothers and fathers should avoid consuming ultra-processed foods during the preconception period,” she explained. “There is no safe limit for the consumption of these foods, so it is advisable to avoid them in the diet.”<\/p>\n