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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

Childhood obesity: the infancy connection

Julia A Snethen1, Jeanne Beauchamp Hewitt, Maribeth Goretzke

  • 1University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Nursing, WI 53201, USA. julia@uwm.edu

Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing : JOGNN
|September 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Childhood overweight is rising, affecting 19% of children and 17% of adolescents. This study identifies maternal lifestyle, infant feeding, and environmental factors as key influences, highlighting the need for early prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Rising prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity presents a significant public health concern.
  • Overweight affects 19% of children (6-11 years) and 17% of adolescents (12-19 years).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine gestational and infancy factors contributing to childhood overweight risk.
  • To identify key modifiable factors influencing the link between infancy and childhood obesity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on gestational and infancy influences on childhood weight.
  • Analysis of factors including maternal lifestyle, infant feeding, and environmental exposures.

Main Results:

  • Maternal lifestyle patterns during pregnancy are critical.
  • Infant feeding transitions significantly impact long-term weight.
  • Environmental factors play a substantial role in childhood overweight development.

Conclusions:

  • Interventions targeting maternal health and infant feeding are essential for prevention.
  • Addressing environmental influences is crucial for mitigating childhood obesity.
  • A multi-faceted approach involving practice, research, and public policy is needed.

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