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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

[Birth weight and overweight in childhood: a systematic review]

Eliana Bender Martins1, Marília Sá Carvalho

  • 1Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. elianab@ensp.fiocruz.br

Cadernos De Saude Publica
|November 9, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Higher birth weight is linked to childhood overweight and obesity, though findings vary. This review highlights a predominant positive association, but inconsistencies suggest considering contextual factors for a comprehensive understanding.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Birth weight is a potential predictor of childhood overweight and obesity.
  • Existing research presents controversial findings regarding this association.
  • Understanding this relationship is crucial for early intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the association between birth weight and overweight in children up to seven years of age.
  • To identify both consistent and conflicting findings in the literature.
  • To explore the nuances of the birth weight-childhood obesity link.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of published literature.
  • Inclusion of 20 papers, combining results from a previous review and a targeted PubMed search (1993-2004).
  • Keywords used: "birth weight AND childhood", "obesity", "overweight".

Main Results:

  • A predominant positive association between higher birth weight and certain forms of childhood obesity was observed across studies.
  • Significant heterogeneity exists among the reviewed studies.
  • Inconsistencies in findings indicate the need for further investigation into contextual influences.

Conclusions:

  • Higher birth weight is generally associated with an increased risk of childhood overweight and obesity.
  • The heterogeneity and inconsistencies underscore the complexity of this relationship.
  • Future research should incorporate contextual factors to refine our understanding of childhood obesity risk.

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