Kids' poor response to stress has link to obesity

Children who are prone to obesity can be identified by the way they respond to stress-causing agents, says an American study.

According to researchers at Penn State and Johns Hopkins University, children who overreact to stressors may be at risk of becoming overweight or obese.

"Our results suggest that some children who are at risk of becoming obese can be identified by their biological response to a stressor," said Lori Francis, associate professor of biobehavioral health.

"Ultimately, the goal is to help children manage stress in ways that promote health and reduce the risks associated with an over- or under-reactive stress response," said Francis.
The results appeared online in the December 2012 issue of the journal Appetite.

According to Francis, the study suggests that children who have poor responses to stressors already are or are at risk of becoming overweight or obese, reports Science Daily.