Apparently so.
Korean researchers foundear infections and childhood obesity go together far more often than not.
Kids who have ear infection with fluid behind the eardrum–a painful effusion–were about 35% more likely to be overweight than kids with no history of ear infection.
Why?
Colds, age, race and attendance in day-care centers all predispose kids to ear infections.
So why, especially, obese kids?
Probably because of inflammation.
Kids and adults have higher levels of inflammation, especially with visceral—read, tummy–fat.
Doctors can measure this with C-reactive protein, and IL-6, and other lab tests indication inflammation.
Chronic inflammation makes people–obese kids included–likely more susceptible to disease.
Sadly, the obese kids in the study were more likely to have higher cholesterol levels too, though no more likely to have tubes inserted.
Ouch. Even if there is no fever or other symptoms.
Fortunately, no tubes for otitis are necessary for most kids with fluid in their ears.
Right: no proven hearing improvements or developmental benefits, at least by age 11.
Watchful waiting is the safest approach for most kids.
VERY different than the best approach for childhood obesity: get treatment!
Ask your doctor!
Start by just switching from soda to water: it stopped kids aged 7-11 from gaining weight.