4. A researcher at the University of Florida posed the question during studies concerning nerve damage caused by early childhood ear infections. Derek Snyder wondered if  repeated or severe an ear infection, which can damage a taste nerve running through the middle ear, could  cause people to tasted food less intensely than others who had not suffered the damage, thus leading to childhood obesity and obese adults.

After tabulating 6584 questionnaires, the team discovered that respondents over 35 who had suffered several ear infections had almost double the chance of being obese.

After responding to additional questions, it was found that patients who had suffered  repeated ear infections as a child were a little more likely to crave sweets and fatty foods – perhaps because the damaged nerve caused them to have a higher threshold for sensing sweetness and fattiness.

 In another study, preschoolers with a history of frequent ear infections were found to eat fewer vegetables and more sweets than children who did not have frequent ear infections. They also tended to be heavier. (more…)