Childhood Obesity May Be Linked to Iron Deficiency, According to New Study from the British Journal of Medicine

Childhood obesity is a growing concern worldwide that can impact children’s health, development and quality of life. A recent study published on April 9th, 2024 in BMJ Global Health highlights a lesser-known aspect of this issue: the link between obesity and iron deficiency in children and young people. This finding is critical as iron deficiency in children can have various adverse effects, including impaired brain function, attention, concentration and memory. It can also increase the risk of conditions such as autism and ADHD. Read on to learn more about the study’s findings and what it means for your children’s nutritional well-being.

What the Study Found 

Nutrition scientists at the University of Leeds and researchers from the School of Food Science and Nutrition analyzed data from thousands of medical studies involving children and adolescents under the age of 25 from 44 countries where iron levels and other vitamin and mineral levels were recorded in addition to weight. The research team found that iron deficiency was associated with both underweight and overweight children, suggesting that malnutrition, in its various forms, can impact children regardless of their weight status.

Lead study author Xiaomian Tan, a doctoral researcher at the University of Leeds, said in a statement, “The relationship between undernutrition and critical micronutrients for childhood growth and development is well established, but less is known about the risk of deficiencies in iron, vitamin A and zinc in children and adolescents who are overweight or obese, making this a hidden form of malnutrition.”

The study also brings attention to the often-overlooked connection between malnutrition and obesity. Even if someone is in a calorie excess, they can still be nutrient deficient. This finding emphasizes the importance of looking beyond calorie content and considering the nutritional quality of the foods children consume.

Food security and food access play a crucial role in childhood obesity and malnutrition. In lower- and middle-income countries where hunger has traditionally been a significant concern, obesity is now emerging as a health issue, leading to what is known as “hidden hunger,” according to research. Limited access to nutritious foods can contribute to obesity and nutrient deficiencies, highlighting the need for policies and interventions that improve food access and support healthy eating habits.

“Our research is hugely important given the high prevalence of obesity in children. We hope it will lead to increased recognition of the problem by healthcare practitioners and improvements in clinical practice and care,” said Tan.

The Bottom Line 

A new study by the University of Leeds, published in BMJ Global Health, suggests that limited access to nutritious foods can contribute to obesity and nutrient deficiencies. These findings highlight the need for policies and interventions that improve food access and address nutrient deficiencies by promoting healthy eating habits in children. Further research is needed to develop effective strategies for addressing nutrient deficiencies in children worldwide.