Prenatal famine exposure restricts genetic effects on birth weight with implications for metabolic disease risk

M. Jazmin Taeubert; Karlijn van den Kieboom; Jiayi Zhou; Thomas B. Kuipers; Dalton C. Conley; Chihua Li; Shuang Wang; Tian Wang; Daniel W. Belsky; L. H. Lumey; Bastiaan T. Heijmans

doi:10.1038/s43856-026-01495-9

March 12, 2026Communications MedicineOpen Access

Prenatal famine exposure restricts genetic effects on birth weight with implications for metabolic disease risk

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Key Points

This research examines how prenatal exposure to famine impacts genetic effects on birth weight and metabolic health risks.
Examined the relationship between prenatal famine exposure and birth weight
Analyzed genetic influences on birth weight during mid-to-late gestation
Investigated connections between birth weight and later metabolic risk factors
Prenatal famine exposure overrides genetic influences on birth weight
Modified relationships between birth weight and metabolic risk factors observed
Increased risk of metabolic diseases associated with lower birth weight in famine-exposed individuals

Implication

Observational study reveals prenatal famine limits genetic effects on birth weight, suggesting increased metabolic risk later.

Abstract

Prenatal exposure to famine during mid-to-late gestation overrides genetic influences on birth weight and modifies the relationships that are observed between birth weight and metabolic risk factors in later life.

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Cite This Study

Taeubert et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69b64c67b42794e3e660dc21 https://doi.org/10.1038/s43856-026-01495-9

View Full Paper

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Prenatal famine exposure restricts genetic effects on birth weight with implications for metabolic disease risk

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Prenatal famine exposure restricts genetic effects on birth weight with implications for metabolic disease risk

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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