Childhood Obesity: Does Intake Of Antibiotics During Childhood Lead To Obesity Later In Life?

A team of US researchers are currently analyzing health records of over 1.6 million kids to check if there's any link between childhood antibiotic use and obesity. The study is aimed to find out if intake of antibiotics in childhood leads to weight gain and obesity later in life.

Ihuoma Eneli, one of the study researchers who is a professor at Ohio State University, said it is known that other than genes, unhealthy diet and less physical activity, there's a combination of several complex factors that leads to childhood obesity. The researchers are doubting that the frequent use of antibiotics at a young age may also be among the factors resulting in obesity. Biological and statistical data suggest there may be a connection between antibiotic use and obesity. Eneli added that the research study will look for answers that will help better understand the relationship and develop clinical practice that mighty help in reducing a child's obesity risk, reported News18.

As part of the study, the researchers will first follow how many times children are prescribed antibiotics during the first two years of life, and then they will continue to track the same children between ages five and 10 to check how many of them turn obese. The PCORnet Obesity Observational Study, which is led by scientists at Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare, will also check if the timing when a baby first gets antibiotics or if the mother took antibiotics during her pregnancy impacts obesity, reported The Times Of India.

The research team is expecting to get their first round of data available early next year. The same results will lay the groundwork for future spin-off studies that will closely examine risk factors identified in the study.

Eneli said while the study will try to find a connection between antibiotics and obesity, one thing is for sure that lack of exercise, a diet high in refined sugars, processed grains and high fat are huge risks for weight gain and obesity. She has recommended parents to give their child healthy food choices and encourage physical activity to help them avoid obesity.