Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

Anthropometry and body composition of south Indian babies at birth

S Muthayya1, P Dwarkanath, T Thomas

  • 1Institute of Population Health and Clinical Research, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore 560 034, India. sumithra@iphcr.res.in

Public Health Nutrition
|October 3, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Indian babies

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal anthropometry
  • Body composition studies
  • Indian infant health

Background:

  • Birth weight is a key indicator of neonatal health.
  • Understanding body composition in relation to birth weight is crucial for long-term health outcomes.
  • Limited data exists on Indian neonates compared to Western populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare body composition of Indian neonates with Western babies based on birth weight.
  • To investigate the relationship between maternal and neonatal anthropometry and infant body composition.
  • To assess the impact of increasing birth weight on neonatal body composition in India.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective observational study conducted in Bangalore, India.
  • Recruited 712 pregnant women, measuring maternal anthropometry.
  • Assessed neonatal body composition (skinfold thickness, arm fat/muscle indices) at birth.

Main Results:

  • Birth weight correlated significantly with neonatal skinfold thickness.
  • Babies with higher birth weight showed a relatively higher arm fat index (AFI) to arm muscle index (AMI) ratio.
  • Maternal height and fat-free mass were linked to infant length at birth.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal skinfold thickness in Indian babies is comparable to Western counterparts at similar birth weights.
  • The association between birth weight and AFI appears steeper in Indian infants.
  • Interventions to increase birth weight in India should consider potential impacts on body composition.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Clinical Anthropometrics and Body Composition from 3-Dimensional Optical Imaging06:48

Clinical Anthropometrics and Body Composition from 3-Dimensional Optical Imaging

Published on: June 7, 2024

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts07:56

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts

Published on: January 29, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
Nature and Nurture01:10

Nature and Nurture

Many human characteristics, like height, are shaped by both nature—in other words, by our genes—and by nurture, or our environment. For example, chronic stress during childhood inhibits the production of growth hormones and consequently reduces bone growth and height. Scientists estimate that 70-90% of variation in height is due to genetic differences among individuals, and 10-30% of variation in height is due to differences in the environments that individuals experience, such as differences...
Introduction to the Skeletal System01:20

Introduction to the Skeletal System

The skeletal system is the central framework of the body, consisting of different connective tissues: bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Components of the Skeletal System
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.
Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as...
Signs of Puberty01:27

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution01:17

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution

Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight, compared...