Table 4.5 shows data from Rich-Edwards et al. (2005) on the prevalence of various afflictions among female nurses who were born at different weights.

a. Is it a coincidence that all nurses born at average birth weight suffer from coronary heart disease, stroke, and all cardiovascular disease at the exact same rate?

b. Summarize the data in the figure in one or two concise sentences.

c. Discuss the data in light of what you know about the thrifty phenotype hypothesis.

Transcribed Image Text:

Table 4.5. Hazard rate of coronary heart disease, stroke, and total cardiovascular disease, compared with average birth rate cohort. Cohort Birth weight (kg) Coronary heart disease Stroke All cardiovascular disease Average birth weight 3.2-3.9 100% 100% 100% Low birth weight 2.5-3.2 130%* 116% 123%* Very low birth weight 2.3-2.5 148%* 105% 129%* Extremely low birth weight << 2.3 131% 123% 127%