A recent study conducted by a research team headed by Tom G. Richardson from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom observed that genetically larger body size in childhood will lead to serious medical conditions such as CAD and T2D in the later part of the life.

      The study utilized the data from the U.K. Biobank study and genome-wide association studies. It reveals that based on univariable Mendelian randomization analyses, the researchers found an association for having a larger genetically predicted body size in early life with increased odds of coronary artery disease (odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.33 to 1.68 for each change in body size category) and type 2 diabetes (OR, 2.32; 95 percent CI, 1.76 to 3.05). Little evidence for a direct effect (not through adult body size) was seen in multivariable Mendelian randomization estimates (coronary artery disease: OR, 1.02; 95 percent CI, 0.86 to 1.22; type 2 diabetes: OR, 1.16; 95 percent CI, 0.74 to 1.82). Strong evidence was found for a protective direct effect for larger body size in early life on breast cancer risk (odds ratio, 0.59; 95 percent CI, 0.50 to 0.71) in a multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis; adult body size had less of a direct effect on this outcome (OR, 1.08; 95 percent CI, 0.93 to 1.27).

      As per the findings from the study it is very important to have a serious look at the larger body mass in children during their childhood. And if so, treating it, seriously is likely needed to reduce the risk for cardiovascular complications and T2D in the later part of their life. Also, parents of such children with higher body mass should not think their child will simply grow out of them as this will not be the case and definitely they should seek medical attention to treat the condition to save them from developing serious illness.