Women with a fuller bust can suffer with colds and respiratory illnesses for twice as long as their smaller chested counterparts, according to a recent study from a medical journal.
Those with F-cup sized breasts suffered colds, coughs and flu for an average of 8.3 days, compared to women with AA-sized chests who were under the weather for only 3.8 days. It may sound like nonsense, but there is some science behind it, trust us...
In the study published by the journal of Archives of Sexual Behaviour, more than 400 women were asked about how much they had suffered from colds and flu over the last three years. The research concluded: "Breast size was positively related to respiratory infections."
Advert
The medical thinking behind the study and findings is that the fat in breasts weakens the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight respiratory infections. Common colds can also hit those with a bigger cup size more frequently than those with smaller breasts, due to the hormone called leptin found in fat cells in the breasts, which can reduce the body's ability to stave off illnesses in the first place.
Leptin is produced from fat cells and the amount produced is directly related to a person's body fat percentage. Within the body, it controls the appetite by signalling to the brain when to stop eating and helps the brain regulate energy consumption throughout the day.
In addition to this research, another study found that women with larger chests were 56 times more likely to finish their course of antibiotics.
So with colds, flu and chest infections still doing the rounds this winter, it's a wise move to stock up on the medicines, especially if you're a female who's blessed in the chest department.
Advert
It may also be a good idea to make sure you don't leave your heating on throughout the night - no matter how cold it might be.
Research has shown that almost half of people who sleep with their heating on overnight report feeling ill the next day.
The survey, conducted by Slumberdown, found that 46 percent of people who slept with their heating on felt sick in the morning, with 37 percent reporting symptoms including headaches, dry mouth and dehydration.
Advert
Slumberdown sleep expert Professor Jason Ellis said: "Our bodies do a great deal of work for us during sleep.
"As part of that process, our body temperature changes over the course of the night and we tend to cool down towards bedtime and then naturally warm up towards the morning.
"As such, we may go to bed warm and cosy but as the research shows, wake up hot and bothered. The key is being comfortable when going to bed and staying comfortable throughout the night."
Words: Niamh Spence
Topics: Science, Interesting, Health