Abstract
The recognition of the association between birth weight and adult obesity has led to research into early-life influences. Research into the developmental origins of health and disease has focused mainly on obesity and the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disorders, but asthma and other respiratory disorders are also affected by early exposures. A number of factors may be common to both asthma and obesity and may predispose individuals to expressing both phenotypes. This article describes the epidemiology of obesity and asthma. In addition, the shared genetic contribution to obesity and asthma is discussed, as well as the role of prenatal diet and the impact of intestinal microflora on the development of obesity and asthma.