A blood test can predict whether a child is fat

Scientists have discovered that a simple blood test can be used to predict obesity levels among children. Researchers from the universities of Southampton, Exeter and Plymouth used the test to assess the levels of genes that regulate the accumulation of fat in the body. The team from Southampton have discovered that a test of children at five years old, differentiates between children with high and low fat at different ages. The results showed that increasing the level of DNA methylation by 10 percent in five years, associated with increased body fat to 12 percent, at the age of 14 years. The results did not depend on the sex of the child, their physical activity and timing of puberty.




Dr. Graham Burdge from the University of Southampton who led the research commented: "it is Difficult to predict when children are very young that they will gain weight or become fat. It is important to know which children are at risk, and take action before they start to gain weight." "The results of our study are further evidence that overweight or obesity in childhood appear not only because of the lifestyle, but depend on the basic processes that control our genes. We hope that this knowledge will help us to develop and test new ways to prevent obesity, which can be administered before the child begins to gain weight".

Professor Wilkin said: "Research has already provided important information about the causes of obesity in children, clues about the role of fundamental processes. This shows that such mechanisms can affect their health in childhood and in adulthood".

Source: nauka24news.ru/