You know what’s really bloody annoying? Having big boobs. As if dealing with debilitating back pain isn’t enough of a bummer, there’s the cleavage sweat and risk of knocking yourself out anytime you go for a run. (The joys!)
But according to new research, there may be another major downside to being big-breasted: we suffer colds and respiratory conditions for twice as long as flat-chested folk.
For the study – published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behaviour – 400 women provided info about their health over a three-year period. The data showed that those with F-cups came down with colds, coughs or flu for an average of 8.3 days, while women with AA-cups felt sick for 3.8 days in total.
Image source: Getty
“Breast size was positively related to respiratory infections,” the study’s authors confirmed.
Weird as it sounds, it does make sense on a physiological level. Fat (specifically, the kind in our breasts) weakens the immune system, making it more difficult for us to fight off respiratory infections. This can be put down to leptin, a hormone found in fat cells, that “reduces the body’s ability to stave off illnesses in the first place.”
Little wonder then, that a previous study found that women with large chests are 56 times more likely to finish a course of antibiotics.
What’s your go-to immune boosting trick?
Just ditch all animal based products from your diet , your body does not need inflammatory substances . Eat heaps of fruit daily. I was sickly child and had also asthma till early 30s. Now for a decade nothing, zilch ill health stuff, body repaired, immune system kills everything.
My half sister has large breasts and has had nothing but trouble with them. Glad I got medium.
Glad that I never have to worry about big boobs mine aren’t very large at all, but yes big boobs really can be a huge problem just look at Chrissy Teigen she has had implants removed, also thinking of getting a further breast reduction, to make it more comfortable for her.
The more body fat that I carry the more I’m prone to illness.
I liked my large breasts when I was young but now they irritate me they sadly have lost their bounce and I struggle to find reasonably priced supportive pretty bras.
I am pretty healthy and rarely get a cold or have lingering health problems I can associate with my Double D’s 🙂
That’s so great to hear your asthma ended up leaving you Yoh. So there is hope for my eldest daughter – she is 22 and suffers asthma since a youngster.
omg that’s amazing information! I’ve always been very happy with my 10B’s but now I think I’m even happier for a whole new reason!
I love boosting my immune system with a tablespoon of organic flaxseed oil everyday. Well atleast I think it helps?!
Really ? Cup A here and plenty of colds …. Or am I the exception who proves the rule ?
Oh so now I know why I hardly ever get sick LOL, quick touch wood
The article doesn’t mention if weight was a factor in the breast size. If it was, then that would be no surprise as being overweight (and having correspondingly large breasts) would affect your health.
I’ve got E cups & I do tend to get colds & flu for ages. I hit the garlic big-time when I get chesty.
I’m boggled by the last paragraph: “… women with large chests are 56 times more likely to finish a course of antibiotics.”
But EVERYONE is supposed to finish their course of antibiotics! You don’t stop taking them when you feel better – that’s how the bacteria become antibiotic-resistant!
That was my thought, too.
Well im an E cup and thankfully I hardly ever get colds. Im asthmatic so even if I get a common cold its a nightmare and I cant breathe so thankfully that only happens every 8 years or so.
Sounds like a load of sh!t to me 😐
Wow that certainly is surprising…
Interesting article
Oh thats just great. another reason to dislike my body shape!
This is something I have never heard of!
I think some of the theories made by other members are accurate. I’m a D cup and don’t think it makes a difference for me. Lots of vitamin C is my go-to remedy for colds and flu.
yeah nah sorry not sure who or when this study was done but im a DD cup and rarely have a cold or respiratory infection, comes down to maintaining good health and wellness-
Wow I did not know that
This is the strangest thing I’ve ever heard lol.
All I can say is, I’m glad my breasts are an average size!
I think that could definitely be a factor.
I just don’t know what to say!!!
I’m a C cup and very glad I’m not bigger. I tend to catch colds from my family members when they’re sick, and my colds usually last 5 – 7 days.
D cup and I hardly ever get a cold.
I should be fine.
Mine a tiny but I get sick heaps especially upper respiratory infections. What sort of research was this?
Just the usuals, drink water, exercise, eat lots of fruit and veg, laugh, chill and try to get to bed early (I often fail on that one)
I’m on the smaller side but my colds last ages. I practise good hygiene and wash my hands often to minimize chances of getting the cold.
I’m a DD and only have colds for 1 week
wow!
I hardly ever get a cold and if I do it doesn’t linger very long. I think plenty of water and healthy eating helps in keeping colds away.
I’m a 10DD and I never get sick – touch wood!
Interesting. I guess I am sick with a cold for the average amount of time with average sized boobs, lol
Very weird indeed
Good information. Never heard this before.
I haven’t been sick for ages, I do take a special vitamin everyday to ward things off
Bizarre facts 101, but it made me laugh. Then this would mean that anyone with extra body fat would suffer from longer colds.
wow they did a study on this. Would never have thought this!
Glad for once that I have small boobs lol
Interesting…
I’ve never heard this before.
I can’t believe a study was conducted on this topic!