Well what do I mean by lasting changes? Research has shown that depending on what your mother eats may influence your genes and health in the long run. The gene agouti is found in humans and mice. The agouti/melanocortin system is an important regulator of body weight homeostasis. Mouse studies have shown that when the agouti gene is not methylated the result is obese yellow coated mice which may be at risk for cancer and diabetes. When the gene is methylated mice are brown, of normal weight and size. The only difference between the two types of mice is the methylation control on the agouti gene. In parallel experiments were carried out where yellow female mice were fed a methyl enriched diet; the offspring grew to be normal weight, size and were brown in color and remained so for the rest of their adulthood. This study identified that an individual’s wellbeing is not only determined by what they eat but also what their parents ate.

References
Nutrition and the epigenome. Retrieved February 8, 2012, from http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/nutrition/

Scientists have used genome-wide studies to define a relationship between body mass index and polymorphisms in the FTO gene (Fat Mass and Obesity Associated Gene). Recently, insights into the function of the gene has revealed some very interesting data that gives rise to optimism. Fischer et al. (2009) have shown that mice who do not have the FTO gene product are capable of decreasing fat tissue. In addition they have shown that down-regulation of the FTO gene seems to provide protection against calorie-induced obesity. These findings verify the importance of the FTO gene for the regulation of body weight. The results of this research will become very important for the development of new ways to treat obesity.

Reference: Fischer J, Koch L, Emmerling C, Vierkotten J, Peters T, Bruning JC, Ruther U: Inactivation of the Fto gene protects from obesity. Nature 2009, 458(7240):894-898.