Overweight People Suffered Trauma During Childhood?

A report from Australian scientists concludes that causes of obesity among adults could be a result of early childhood trauma.

The study was undertaken to find out the relationship between "comfort"food and the effect these foods have on lowering stress.  

"Eating foods rich in fat and sugar can alter the chemical composition of the brain and reduce anxiety, "said, Professor of Pharmacology Margaret Morris.

The study, which was conducted with rats reveled that the effects of past trauma could be reduced by unlimited access to "yummy foods."  Two groups of rats were studied.

One group was separated from the parents for lengthy intervals.  These rats showed increased stress and anxiety.  The signals for depression and anxiety were significantly reduced when fed a diet of rich, fatty foods.

"There is good evidence that if we look at people who have experienced trauma as a child tend to be heavier as adults", scientists stated.

Sydney Morning Herald AAP