The proportion of heavy babies at birth has doubled in the past decade, raising concerns more people may suffer obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.

To introduce timely intervention, Shanghai's first pregnancy nutrition centers were set up at two leading maternity hospitals.

The centers at Shanghai No. 1 Maternity and Child Health Hospital and Shanghai International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, which opened yesterday, will conduct nutrition and lifestyle guidance for pregnant women.

"About 70 percent of fat babies are because of improper nutrition during pregnancy," said Dr Duan Tao, president of Shanghai No. 1 Maternity and Child Health Hospital.

(Shanghai Daily July 24, 2009)