Scientists from Queen Mary University of London found that obese female students are more likely to experience pain in bones, joints, muscles, ligaments or tendons than their healthy peers. results published In the journal Archives of Childhood Diseases (ADC).
During the research, scientists analyzed data on the health status of 120 thousand preschool children and children aged 10-11 years. Approximately 8.9% of boys aged four to five were obese. This rate was 7.1% for girls of the same age. By the beginning of sixth grade, the prevalence of obesity increased to 19.9% and 14.4%, respectively.
Researchers also found that obese girls were 1.7 times more likely than their healthy-weight peers to see at least one doctor for symptoms such as bone, joint, muscle, ligament or tendon pain. The girls’ most common complaint was knee pain. Back pain followed.
According to the study’s authors, excess weight can put additional pressure on the body’s joints, leading to musculoskeletal problems. More research is needed to understand why these symptoms occur less frequently in boys.
Former nutritionist removed Popular myths about healthy eating.