L13 Lifecourse epidemiology

Question 1

Define lifecourse epidemiology.

Answer 1

The study of the long-term effects on health of physical and social exposures during gestation, childhood, adolescence and adult life.

Question 2

State the Barker’s Hypothesis/Thrifty Phenotype.

Answer 2

Reduced foetal growth is strongly associated with a number of chronic conditions later in life. This increased susceptibility results from adaptations made by the foetus in an environment limited in its supply of nutrients.