Obesity Contributes to Childhood Allergies

February 23, 2009: 10:58 AM EST

Obesity may contribute to allergies in overweight children, say researchers from several institutes in North Carolina and Colorado. Using data on 4,000 children from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006, the researchers found a strong correlation between overweight and obesity and allergic reactions to a range of foods, including eggs, milk and peanuts. Children in the study were more than 50 percent more likely to be allergic to milk, and 25 percent more likely to have other allergies. The study also found that systemic inflammation may play a role in allergies. Lead author Cindy M. Visness said there was nothing conclusive about the findings, but they added weight to the need to maintain normal body weight.

Cynthia M. Visness, et al, "Association of obesity with IgE levels and allergy symptoms in children and adolescents: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006", Elsevier Inc, February 23, 2009, via Elsevier Inc, © American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

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