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Early growth spurts could cause obesity

9 April 2008

Researchers have found that growth spurts in early childhood could permanently affect an individual's rate of metabolism, which is believed to be linked to obesity.

In a report to be published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society researchers at the University of Glasgow reveal that growth spurts in early life can cause a metabolic rate in adults 20% faster than if the individual had grown more steadily.

This is the first time a study has revealed that early growth patterns could cause long term differences in metabolic rate.

A pair of zebra finches

Researchers compared the metabolic rates of zebra finches who had been fed a regular protein diet with finches who had been switched from a low to high protein diet halfway through their period of growth.

Professor Neil Metcalfe from the University of Glasgow said, "It seems that the improvement in diet early in life caused a change in metabolism as well as a short-lived spurt in growth. The metabolic difference might be produced by a change in the size or functioning of key organs in the body, which would have long-term consequences.

"Metabolism has long been believed to affect the likelihood of obesity in humans. It is now becoming increasingly clear that our risk of becoming obese or getting various metabolic or cardiovascular diseases when we are adults is linked to our earliest years."

The study conducted by researchers in the University of Glasgow's Institute of Biomedical & Life Sciences and Veterinary School was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

Further information

To see a full copy of the report or for more information please contact

Kate Richardson
University of Glasgow Media Relations Office
Tel: 0141 330 3683

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Press release: 18/08