August 12, 2008

experts comment on research into a link between poor coordination in childhood and obesity in later life, as published in the British Medical Journal

The study suggested that children with poor coordination could be at higher risk of becoming obese later in life.

Dr Nick Finer, Consultant in Obesity Medicine and Senior Clinical Research Associate at the Institute for Metabolic Sciences at Cambridge University, said:

“We now have another piece of evidence that obesity in adults is partly determined by, or associated with, factors that are present early in life and childhood. This research shows that obese adults are more likely to have been ‘clumsy’ children aged 7. Although the study cannot say what causes the link (although many known risks for adult obesity – including childhood obesity itself were ruled out), it suggests that children’s early life exposure to unknown components of diet, physical activity, exercise or some aspect of their personality, could be responsible. Alternatively some factor that produces altered brain control of co-ordination could also make weight gain more likely. Either way this research adds to other work that tells us that most people don’t become obese just because they want to, and that many of the causes are subtle and complex.”

Dr Ian W. Campbell, Honorary Medical Director at Weight Concern, said:

“Obesity is a complex problem and has many interacting causes. This study shows that a child who is less physically able is more prone to obesity in adult life. This may be due to less participation in sports and physical activities, but may in some cases also be due to the underlying causes of their poor coordination. While this helps us understand the root causes, it doesn’t change the fundamental problem that we are, as a nation, less active than we should be. All children, regardless of their natural abilities, should be given adequate encouragement and support to be physically active at school, and at home. Government is right to use the 2012 Olympics as a springboard to promote sport but consideration needs to be given to the large section of the population who need to be more active but are not inclined to take up formalised sport. Activity should be promoted as a normal, healthy, and enjoyable part of our everyday lives.”