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I do believe that this study adds credence to the idea that food-choices are less "conscious" than we may like to think, and more physiologically driven.
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I can't find a full description of the studies so like you I'm only reading press releases but I'm very sceptical about this one.
There were three studies linking weight and ENT problems.
In the large study of adults the methodology/ data collection was rather unusual ,relying totally on self reported memories from a miscellaneous collection of subjects: surveys answered by attendees at lectures.
One study proposes that children with middle ear infections ate more sweets, less veg and were overweight.
The third that those that had tonsillectomies were more likely to be overweight.
These three studies are then linked with one describing middle aged women with a damaged taste nerves who are also overweight. Why are these linked ? Presumably because : 'An important taste nerve, the chorda tympia, runs from the tongue up through the middle ear and finally into the brain. If the middle ear is infected, the nerve can get damaged'
Is there any evidence to show that children with ENT problems such as otits media or who have had tonsellectomies develop such damage?
Could it be that overweight children are more likely to get ear infections? Which came first?
Another theory (homegrown): Continued ear infections affecting hearing, language development and possible balance might lead to introversion, lack of activity and to eating more. That would be a possible area to research and far more within the expertise of psychologists!
Personal prejudice for my thesis admitted!
My son (never overweight) had to have grommets inserted at age 4. The operation was succesful but I believe was beneficial in other ways .As he could hear better, his language skills improved, he became more sociable, more independent. As his balance also improved he became more adventurous and more active.
Incidently, I have nothing against psychologists since my degrees are in psychology
