In the UK there are differences in birth size, body fat proportion and risk of heart disease and diabetes between south Asians and the general population. South Asians are more likely to be born small and develop heart disease and diabetes in later life. The processes of adult disease begin in early life, possibly even before birth. Despite their smaller size south Asian babies may have more body fat than white babies, which leads to their increased risk of disease as adults.
This study will examine differences in birth size between Pakistani and white babies. It will also clarify whether differences in the arrangement of body fat seen in south Asian adults, can be seen at birth. The study will use data and blood samples from the Born in Bradford study, a unique project following the lives of 10,000 babies born in the city between 2007 and 2009.
In this study I will use data from 5,000 babies. The study will make a major contribution to efforts to tackle the burden of chronic adult disease in both white and south Asian populations.
