Diabetes Health in the News Podcast: Light Exposure Impacts Childhood Obesity Risk
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Researchers from Australia’s Queensland University of Technology have recently looked at how exposure to artificial and natural light affected the weight of children. It was theorized that light exposure could affect the body’s internal clock, which could alter sleep patterns and result in weight gain.
This study examined Australian children between the ages of three and five and found that the timing of their light exposure played a significant role in their obesity risk. When moderate light exposure occurred earlier in the day, the children experienced an increased BMI. On the other hand, kids who were exposed to indoor or outdoor light during the afternoon hours were shown to be slimmer.
This research suggests that different types of light exposure at various times of the day should be included in the conversation about childhood obesity.
These findings were published in PLOS ONE on January 6, 2016.