Can the smell of food during pregnancy affect my baby's weight?

Yes, research suggests that exposure to artificial food scents like bacon during pregnancy and breastfeeding may trigger brain changes linked to obesity in offspring.

What did the Max Planck Institute study find about pregnancy diets?

The study on mice indicated that perinatal odour and flavour learning can negatively impact offspring's metabolic health, increasing obesity risk later in life.

When can fetuses smell during pregnancy?

Fetuses can begin to smell by approximately the 24th week of pregnancy, with olfactory receptors starting to form around week 10.

Home / Health / Pregnancy Diet: Fatty Foods Smell Linked to Baby Obesity Risk

Pregnancy Diet: Fatty Foods Smell Linked to Baby Obesity Risk

1 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Maternal exposure to artificial bacon scent may trigger brain changes.
Offspring showed increased fat, insulin resistance, and lower energy.
Foetuses can smell by 24 weeks; olfactory receptors form earlier.

Pregnancy Diet: Fatty Foods Smell Linked to Baby Obesity Risk

Maternal exposure to the scent of fatty foods during pregnancy and breastfeeding may increase a child's risk of developing obesity later in life, according to new research from Germany. Scientists investigating this phenomenon found that mice exposed to an artificial bacon flavor during gestation and lactation exhibited altered brain activity and metabolism in their offspring.

These offspring, when fed a high-fat diet in adulthood, showed increased body fat accumulation, insulin resistance, and reduced energy expenditure compared to those not exposed to the artificial scent. The study suggests that early-life sensory learning from food can have detrimental consequences for metabolic health, potentially programming long-lasting physiological responses.

The findings highlight the potential impact of artificial flavors in processed foods, even if the mother maintains a healthy weight. Researchers noted that fetuses can begin smelling by around 24 weeks of pregnancy, raising concerns about the widespread consumption of flavorings during critical developmental periods.