Clumsy children more likely to become obese adults (Reuters)
The finding adds to a growing body of evidence linking poorer cognitive function in childhood to obesity and type 2 diabetes in adults.
A study of thousands of British children found those with the worst cognitive and physical function at the ages of seven and 11 years were far more likely to be portly in later life.
"It's not a question of people who are even now overweight becoming clumsy because the majority of these children weren't any heavier than their peers," researcher Scott Montgomery said in a telephone interview.
"It was assumed that all the neurological complications associated with obesity were consequences of obesity itself. This suggests that's not the case."
The findings held true even after adjusting for factors that may be liked to influence the results, such as childhood body mass and family social class, he renowned.
What lies behind the link is unclear but Montgomery believes it could be a function of factors such as motherly stop smoking patch during pregnancy or lack of toil in childhood. The latter is important for developing fine motor superintend.
The new study by experts from Sweden's Karolinska Institute and London's Imperial College is based on besides than 11,000 individuals participating in Britain's ongoing National Child Development Study, which began in 1958.
Around 8,000 of them were assessed by teachers at age seven years to identify hand control and clumsiness, and just under 7,000 were tested towards hand control and coordination at age 11 through a doctor.
The results were published in the British Medical Journal.
Scientists are finding a surprising number of connections betwixt neurological problems and obesity. Earlier this week, U.S. researchers reported that running reduced the risk not solely of seat of affection disease but also of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's — as well as cancer.
(Editing by Charles Dick)
- August 24th
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