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Risk factors for rapid weight gain in preschool children: findings from a UK-wide prospective study

L J Griffiths1, S S Hawkins, T J Cole

  • 1MRC Centre of Epidemiology for Child Health, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK. l.griffiths@ich.ucl.ac.uk

International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|February 4, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Early life factors like parental obesity and smoking increase rapid weight gain risk in children aged 3-5. Prevention programs targeting these modifiable risks are crucial for childhood obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Obesity Research
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Rapid weight gain in early childhood is a significant predictor of future obesity and related health issues.
  • Identifying risk factors is essential for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate biological, social, and environmental risk factors associated with rapid weight gain between 3 and 5 years of age.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative prospective cohort.
  • Analyzed anthropometric measurements of 11,653 children at ages 3 and 5 years.
  • Calculated weight gain z-scores and identified rapid weight gain in the top quartile.

Main Results:

  • Higher body mass index at age 3, specific ethnicities (Bangladeshi, black), and parental overweight status were linked to rapid weight gain.
  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy and smoking in the household environment also increased risk.
  • Being an only child was associated with a higher likelihood of rapid weight gain.

Conclusions:

  • Factors during pregnancy and early childhood significantly influence rapid weight gain.
  • Obesity prevention programs should commence before and during pregnancy, focusing on parental weight and smoking cessation.
  • Early intervention is key to mitigating childhood obesity risks.
Abstract

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