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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Is the adiposity rebound a rebound in adiposity?
Michele Wen-Chien Campbell1, Joanne Williams, John B Carlin
1Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. michele.campbell@mcri.edu.au
Summary
Early adiposity rebound (AR) in children, marked by a rise in body mass index (BMI), is linked to increased lean mass, not fat mass. Understanding AR dynamics may help prevent childhood obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric obesity research
- Childhood growth and development
- Body composition analysis
Background:
- Early adiposity rebound (AR), the rise in body mass index (BMI) after a nadir, is a strong predictor of later obesity.
- Understanding the changes in body composition during AR is crucial for developing effective obesity prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the upswing in BMI during adiposity rebound (AR) is associated with an increase in body fat.
- To analyze the changes in lean mass index (LMI) and fat mass index (FMI) before and after AR in children.
Main Methods:
- A community-based cohort study of 299 first-born children, with anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance measurements every six months from 4 to 6.5 years.
- Individualized BMI curves were modeled from birth to 6.5 years to estimate AR timing.
- Analyses included cross-sectional comparisons and linear trend investigations of BMI, FMI, LMI, and percent body fat relative to AR timing.
Main Results:
- Children with early AR (<5 years) exhibited higher BMI, FMI, LMI, and percent body fat at 6.5 years compared to those with later AR (>5 years).
- Fat mass index (FMI) decreased pre-AR and then plateaued post-AR.
- Lean mass index (LMI) increased pre-AR and showed a steeper increase post-AR.
Conclusions:
- Adiposity rebound is characterized by increasing lean mass and a cessation of fat mass decline.
- Understanding the control mechanisms and factors influencing AR timing is essential for childhood obesity prevention.
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