Study first-born show more weight problems and hypertension

Study reveals health disadvantages of first-borns
For a long time it was claimed that the oldest children are often the darlings of the parents and also have some health benefits over their younger siblings. However, researchers now found that the oldest children apparently have health disadvantages. They seem to be more often the victim of problems like obesity and hypertension.

The University of Texas scientists found in an investigation that the oldest children are increasingly developing health problems. For example, premature babies often suffer from high blood pressure and increased obesity. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Economics and Human Biology".

Actually, first-borns have slight health benefits. However, when it comes to obesity and hypertension, first-borns are at a higher risk compared to their younger siblings. (Image: Olesia Bilkei / fotolia.com)

Study includes data from nearly 400,000 people
The current study was based on the health records of nearly 400,000 people from Norway over a period of about 25 years. Overall, it could be observed that the oldest children had more frequent problems with blood pressure and overweight, compared to their younger siblings. This was noted when comparing physical markers such as blood pressure, triglycerides and weight, the authors explain.

Birth order influences high blood pressure risk
The likelihood of suffering from high blood pressure in siblings declined with the order of birth, the experts explain. The biggest gap was between the firstborn and the second born child, which had a three percent lower risk of developing high blood pressure.

First-borns have a four percent increased risk of being overweight
In addition, levels of so-called triglycerides (a form of dietary fat produced by the liver) were higher in older children. In addition, the likelihood of overweight was four percent higher, say the doctors. First-born also had a two percent increased risk of obesity.

Save first-born more fat?
First-born are on average easier at birth than their siblings, and the experts looked at whether lower nutrient flow to the first-born in the uterus might affect their regulation of fat. This could lead them to store more fats in adulthood, according to researchers.

Higher tendency for hypertension in first-born
The catching up of the firstborn's growth could also lead to a higher blood pressure, explain the scientists. Thus, the higher likelihood of high blood pressure and obesity for premature babies is largely determined biologically, the authors said in their study.

Further research is necessary
Researchers also took into account the fact that older children are usually breastfed for an average of two additional weeks. This could be a factor in differences in sibling health. However, more research is needed to better understand potential effects, scientists say.

First-borns generally have better mental health
Although it was found that first-borns generally had better mental health than their siblings, the personality of the children could be a potential explanation for the differences in weight and blood pressure, the researchers explain.

Affects the personality the risk of hypertension in first-born?
While empirical evidence is not particularly strong, there is still an established set of theories about birth order and personality. First-borns are often perceived as more energetic and carer-oriented, while later births are seen as more relaxed and creative, say the scientists. This could provide a number of possible explanations for the findings on blood pressure or hypertension and triglycerides. For example, the stress that leads to high blood pressure could be caused by the more competitive personality types, the experts speculate. (As)