A recent study conducted by Linda Bartoshuk of the University of Florida College of Dentistry reached the conclusion that there is without a doubt a link between ear infections and the increased risk of obesity for children.

Apparently, people suffering from severe ear infections have their taste significantly damaged, which leads to the preferred consumption of a certain food segment that increases the risk of obesity. Mrs. Linda Bartoshuk explained: "middle ear nerve damage may play a role in affecting taste in children with recurrent ear infections or chronic ear disease who get [drainage] tubes. This damage may increase intake of fattening foods."

According to the study, children with chronic middle ear infections are more than 60 percent more likely to become obese than the healthy children. The research involved 6,584 people with ages between 16 and 92.

The theory was backed-up by Dr John Hayes, from Brown University in Rhode Island, who explained: "This suggests that taste damage from ear infections may alter food choice and thus lead to obesity risk." He was also involved in a similar study on taste, food choice and obesity.

Another researcher confirming the theory is epidemiologist Kathleen Daly of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, who agreed that ear infections can lead to higher body mass indexes. Also, a study investigating teen girls concluded that girls who had their tonsils removed, which is a common way of dealing with ear infections, are 30 percent more likely to become overweight.

The information was released during the American Psychological Association’s 116th annual convention in Boston.