Children who suffer chronic ear infections are more likely to become overweight because the infections damage their taste buds and change their food preferences, new research suggests.19-08-2008

Scientists found a history of ear infections in childhood can alter the sense of taste, leading to a preference for fatty foods which increases the risk of becoming overweight later in life.
The findings come from a review of a series of studies presented at the American Psychological Association's 116th Annual Convention in Boston.
One study carried out on 6,584 people aged between 16 and 92 found that people with a moderate to severe history of ear infections were 62 per cent more likely to be overweight.
Another team found middle aged women who had damage to their taste nerves were more likely to prefer sweet and high fat foods and were more likely to have larger waists.
Children who had a severe ear infections ate fewer vegetables and more sweets and tended to be heavier than those who had not suffered ear infections.
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Source: - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/