Children born to mothers who are very obese with a BMI of 35 or higher are at heightened risk of being admitted to hospital for an infection, finds a long term study published in the open access journal BMJ Medicine. The findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight before and after the pregnancy, say the researchers.

Following a low calorie diet is linked to a heightened risk of depressive symptoms, finds research published in the open access journal, BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health. Men and those who are overweight may be especially vulnerable to the effects of restrictive eating, the findings suggest.

A European study involving experts from the Università Cattolica, Rome campus - Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS together with a network of British and Spanish scientists and clinicians, published in the journal Lancet Regional Health - Europe, shows the effectiveness of this preventive prophylaxis.

It supports milk production and stimulates caregiving behaviour in mothers, now a University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka study has found prolactin also regulates body temperature during pregnancy.