Obesity and Asthma
WLR's dietitian reports on a new study which reveals that
overweight children are more likely to suffer with asthma than
normal weight children.
Overweight Children More Likely to Suffer with Asthma
By WLR Dietitian
A new study has revealed that overweight children are more
likely to suffer with asthma than normal weight children.
The study identified the Body Mass Index (BMI) of almost
3,000 children at the age of 5 years and then again at 14
years. It also looked at the symptoms of asthma reported by
the children’s mums at these two ages.
BMI was not related to asthma in the five year olds, but by
the time the children reached 14 years, those who were
overweight were more likely to suffer with asthma symptoms. An
increase in BMI during this time was also associated with an
increased risk of asthma.
WLR says
This is an interesting study and certainly warrants further
investigation.
As rates of obesity have increased in children, so has the
incidence of asthma. As a result, it makes sense to carry out
more research to see if a link can be proven.
According to Asthma UK – a charity dedicated to asthma
sufferers – losing weight can help in managing asthma, and
when combined with a more active lifestyle, can help to
improve lung function.
One thing is for sure though. Helping children to maintain
a healthy weight throughout childhood and the teenage years
won’t do them any harm but will also lower their risk of
getting many other diseases in later life such as heart
disease, certain cancers, high blood pressure and diabetes.
For more information
www.asthma.org.uk
Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health
and well-being of the 5.2 million people in the UK whose lives
are affected by asthma. |
