Obese children ‘are 30 per cent more at risk of developing asthma’, scientists claim
- Obese children are 30 per cent increased risk of developing childhood asthma
- Scientists claim being overweight alters the development of lungs and airways
- They stress that most causes of asthma are unavoidable, such as genetics
One in ten cases of childhood asthma is caused by obesity, researchers claim.
A study of 500,000 children reveals those who are obese have a 30 per cent increased risk of developing asthma.
Scientists, from Duke University in the US, think being overweight alters development of lungs and airways and has a hormonal impact on the body, which increases inflammation.
A study of 500,000 children reveals those who are obese have a 30 per cent increased risk of developing asthma [File photo]
They stress that most causes of asthma are unavoidable, such as genetics and viral infections.
The study’s lead author Jason Lang told Pediatrics medical journal: ‘Obesity may be the only risk factor for childhood asthma that could be preventable.’
One in ten cases of childhood asthma is caused by obesity, researchers claim [File photo]
Some 1.1 million children in Britain have asthma.
Data shows 34 per cent of children are overweight at the age of 11.