Early Exposure to Fatty Food Smells May Rewire Your Child's Metabolism for Life

Early Exposure to Fatty Food Smells May Rewire Your Child's Metabolism for Life

Published: January 7, 2026

Duration: 7:12

An animal study found that the smell of fatty foods during pregnancy and breastfeeding, even without eating them, can alter a child's brain development and make them more prone to obesity later in life Mice exposed to bacon-scented diets in the womb and through milk developed insulin resistance and gained more weight in adulthood, despite eating the same healthy diets as control mice The scent exposure rewired appetite and reward pathways in the brain, particularly affecting dopamine and AgRP neurons responsible for hunger regulation Researchers found 155 distinct odor molecules from fatty foods entering amniotic fluid and breast milk, directly shaping...
Early Exposure to Fatty Food Smells May Rewire Your Child's Metabolism for Life - Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health