Can removing your child's tonsils lead to childhood obesity

New study just released suggests that a tonsillectomy could be linked to childhood obesity.

According to the study, kids who had their tonsils removed can lead to an increase in body mass index by as much as 5.5%.

The researchers studied data on tonsillectomies from:

• 1970 to 2009
• 795 children aged 18 years of age or younger whose weight ranged from normal to morbidly obese.

It might be that kids who had chronic tonsillitis were not able to really eat a lot because of their sore throat and then after the infected tonsils were removed they over ate.  It could also be that during the chronic tonsillitis phase, they did not feel well so became sedentary.  And afterwards, they continued with a sedentary lifestyle.

Obviously, if a child has an infected tonsils and needs it removed, then that is what must be done.

But the important and key message is not to be afraid by these studies but rather help kids learn about healthy habits and choices at a young age.

Other resources:

Is My Child Overweight Resources and suggestions to promote healthy habits.

Should I Put My Child On A Diet Dietitians advice on dieting and the overweight child.

Understanding Childhood Obesity Related Conditions Implications of childhood obesity related conditions.

Understanding the BMI For Children What is BMI and how it is used to determine your child is at a healthy weight.