Examining the temporal relationships between childhood obesity and asthma

► Pediatric asthma and obesity correlated, direction of associations unclear. ► Uses longitudinal data to test the associations between asthma and weight and asthma and activity levels. ► Past asthma associated with obesity and BMI, asthma onset associated with subsequent positive changes in BMI. ► Past BMI and obesity associated with subsequent asthma onset. ► Future research should explore mechanisms through which asthma may affect future weight outcomes.