中文USEUROPEAFRICAASIA
World / Asia-Pacific

Oldest children more at risk of weight gain, diabetes

(Xinhua) Updated: 2014-02-10 15:47

WELLINGTON -- First-born children are more inclined to become overweight adults than their younger siblings, according to a New Zealand study published Monday.

Researchers at the University of Auckland studied 50 overweight, but otherwise healthy men between the ages of 35 and 55.

They found that first-borns were on average 6.9 kg heavier than second-borns and had a greater body mass index (BMI), while insulin sensitivity was also 33 percent lower in first-born men.

Both BMI and lower insulin sensitivity were considered risk factors for type 2 diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease, said a statement from the university.

The research, led by Professor Wayne Cutfield, added to understanding of the potential long-term health effects of birth order, following evidence suggesting that birth order could influence metabolism and body composition from infancy to early adulthood.

Trudeau visits Sina Weibo
May gets little gasp as EU extends deadline for sufficient progress in Brexit talks
Ethiopian FM urges strengthened Ethiopia-China ties
Yemen's ex-president Saleh, relatives killed by Houthis
Most Popular
Hot Topics
...