Children born to obese mothers are a third more likely to die before the age of 55 than those of normal weight women, research shows.

Fatter women’s children also have a 29 per cent higher chance of being admitted to hospital for heart attacks, angina and strokes.

Earlier studies found that babies born to overweight mothers are at greater risk of heart problems, diabetes and obesity, but the new research shows they are also more likely to die young.