By Dr. Liji Thomas, MD Reviewed by Lauren Hardaker Jul 18 2025 New research links parents’ metabolic health and a child’s birth weight to asthma severity, uncovering for the first time how paternal cholesterol may offer modest protection. Study:  Impact of natal and childhood metabolic markers on childhood asthma burden – a nationwide cohort study . Image credit: LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com Childhood obesity is increasing worldwide, affecting more than 15% of American children. A rising