Our research aims to uncover the lesser-known effects of childhood physical abuse on temporary changes in appetite and dietary habits. Previous studies in animal models have shown that exposure to physical trauma can lead to a temporary decrease in appetite, a finding that contrasts with the common belief and some human studies suggesting that abuse might lead to an increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) over time. Interestingly, our preliminary studies in older adult cohorts have also indicated a potential long-term increase in baseline BMI in individuals who experienced abuse during childhood. This project seeks to explore these dynamics in a child population using the rich data available from the ALSPAC cohort, focusing on immediate dietary responses and developmental outcomes following episodes of physical abuse.