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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

Diagnosis of a trend towards obesity in preschool children: a longitudinal study

Oya Yücel1, Sibel Tulgar Kinik, Sibel Aka

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul Teaching and Medical Research Center, Baskent University, Usküdar, 34664, Istanbul, Turkey. oyayucel2000@yahoo.com

European Journal of Pediatrics
|November 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Early identification of childhood obesity is crucial. This study found rapid weight gain after 6 months signals obesity risk, with paternal obesity and sibling obesity as key factors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Childhood Obesity Research

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern.
  • Identifying early indicators and risk factors is vital for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine early signs of obesity trends in children aged 0-6 years.
  • To investigate the influence of various factors on childhood obesity development.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal follow-up of 102 children from birth to 6 years.
  • Annual anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI, growth velocity).
  • Recording and comparison of family history and lifestyle variables.

Main Results:

  • Gender did not significantly affect obesity trends.
  • Rapid weight gain velocity after 6 months was the earliest obesity indicator.
  • Obesity indicators (BMI) appeared at 6 months (girls) and 1 year (boys).
  • Obese children showed higher height after 4 years.
  • Paternal obesity and obese siblings were significant risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Six months is a critical period for assessing obesity development in infants.
  • Obesity prevention efforts should commence around 6 months of age.

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