Have Flat Feet? That Could Have This Association with Your Weight, Finds New Study

In many ways, it’s a relief to learn more from the trending science that’s uncovering how our biology affects our predisposition to being overweight. “So, it really is tougher for me? I’m not just imagining?” In many cases, you haven’t just been imagining. Research continues to confirm that so much plays into the body’s fat-utilization capability: Factors like metabolism and gut health are among the areas of health that, at least to some degree, exist among the traits that are genetically predetermined.

Now a new study suggests that even your foot’s architecture and the way it bears weight may impact body mass. Dr. Sona Jandova, PhD, a sports science researcher in the Czech Republic, conducted the study that’s been published in the Journal of Comparative Biology in August 2024.

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For the study, 142 children in Prague ranging in age from 9 to 11 years, were asked to walk while their gaits were observed using a platform that measured the “rolloff” of their walking patterns, pressure points, and other details of their gaits.

From there, three groups were formed: Children with normal feet, flat feet or high-arched feet. Dr. Jandova reports that the vast majority of the children exhibited either normal or flat feet.

According to the study, 44% of the child participants had normal feet while 54% had flat feet. The average BMI number for children with flat feet was about two points higher (an average of 18.4) than children with high-arched feet (an average of 16.0).

Where it gets interesting is that foot arch is not necessarily a trait kids are born with. The Cleveland Clinic explains that babies typically have flat feet. As the child ages, especially between ages six and 10, the arch forms.

On what this means in relation to her findings, Dr. Jandova summarizes: “Regression analysis results showed that in children with flat feet, there is a decrease in forefoot loading and an increase in midfoot loading with increasing BMI.”

Interestingly, she suggests that it may not be that foot arch determines body mass as much as body mass may bear down on the foot to influence the development of a lower arch. This, in turn, can impact a child’s “locomotion,” which translates to the utilization of energy, and therefore, calorie-burning regulation.

“Higher BMI values indicate an increased risk for the prevalence of flat feet,” Dr. Jandova concluded.

With many American schools offering children less recess time than ever, Dr. Jandova suggests this study may highlight the importance of exercise opportunities for school-aged children and encouraging an early relationship with exercise.

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