There is increasing evidence to suggest that the perinatal environment may alter the
developmental programming of hypothalamic neuroendocrine systems in a manner that
predisposes offspring to the development of metabolic syndrome. Although it is unclear how
these effects might be mediated, it has been shown that changes in neuroendocrine
programing during critical periods of development, either via maternal metabolic
programming or other factors, can alter a fetus's metabolic fate. This review summarizes the …