Clumsy children more likely to become obese
A study published on bmj.com reports that an increased risk of obesity later in life is associated with poor physical control and coordination during childhood.
The study, by Walter Osika and Scott Montgomery of Orebro University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden, is yet another that suggests a link between type 2 diabetes in adults, obesity and poor cognitive function in childhood.
The researchers studied a sample of 11042 individuals who participated in the National Child Development Study in Great Britain - an active programme since 1958. To test physical control and coordination, teachers evaluated 7990 participants at age 7 for level of hand control, coordination, and clumsiness; doctors tested 6875 of the participants for hand control and coordination at age 11. The tests consisted of copying a simple design to measure accuracy, marking squares on paper within a minute, and picking up 20 matches. Participants then had body mass index (BMI) measurements taken at age 33, where obesity was defined as a BMI of 30 or over.
The study found that the 7-year olds who had poor hand-eye coordination were more likely to be obese as adults. Poor function at the age of 11 was also related to obesity at the age of 33.
The researchers conclude that the factors that certain factors may damage physical control and coordination, as well as increase the risk of obesity later in life.
