Metabolic imprinting

Metabolic imprinting refers to the epigenetic programming of metabolism during the pre-natal and neo-natal periods, which can have significant consequences later on in an organism's life.
Studies in both humans and animals have shown that the events during gestation and early post-natal stages may have long term consequences for health. Fetal under-nutrition is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, type II diabetes and hypertension, amongst other diseases.