During the age range of 2 to 11 years, if children gain weight rapidly and become overweight, they are at a higher risk of developing heart disease in adulthood. This may be due to this growth pattern causing a deficiency in muscle and an excess of fat in children.
The sudden growth pattern from ages 2 to 11 plays a more decisive role in heart disease than at any other age. “Children who lack muscle throughout their childhood. Therefore, rapid weight gain can lead to an imbalance between fat and muscle. This explains why the body becomes more insulin resistant, ultimately resulting in coronary artery disease,” said Dr. David Barker from the University of Oregon.
The research team examined health reports from nearly 8,000 individuals born in Finland between 1934 and 1944. During this period, childhood growth patterns, including the ratio of weight to height, were monitored once a month for the first two years, and then annually until the age of 11. The results showed no correlation between body mass index (BMI) and disease at age 2. However, by age 11, the increase in BMI accounted for up to one-third of the risk of later heart disease.
To prevent this condition, Barker suggests that mothers ensure a balanced diet before conception and during pregnancy, while also keeping children from gaining weight rapidly or becoming overweight from the age of 2 onwards.
Mỹ Linh (according to BBC)
