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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

Evolution of obesity in a low birth weight cohort

P H Casey1, R H Bradley, L Whiteside-Mansell

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA. CaseyPatrickH@uams.edu

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|June 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Obesity is common in low birth weight preterm infants, with rapid first-year weight gain predicting later obesity. This highlights the need for early monitoring and intervention strategies for this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Public Health Nutrition

Background:

  • Low birth weight preterm (LBWPT) infants face increased risks for adverse health outcomes.
  • Understanding the long-term trajectory of obesity in this population is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the evolution of obesity status (OS) in LBWPT infants up to 8 years of age.
  • To identify if rapid weight gain during the first year of life predicts OS at 8 years.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal cohort of 985 LBWPT infants (birth weight ≤2500 g, gestation age ≤37 weeks) was followed.
  • Infants were assessed at 3, 5, 6.5, and 8 years for weight, height, and body mass index (BMI).
  • Logistic regression analyses identified predictors of 8-year OS, including first-year weight gain, maternal factors, and infant characteristics.

Main Results:

  • Obesity prevalence increased from 2.3% at 3 years to 8.7% at 8 years.
  • Infants born weighing ≤1500 g had the lowest OS prevalence.
  • First-year weight gain (aOR=2.7), maternal Hispanic race (aOR=2.8), and maternal obesity (aOR=3.4) significantly predicted 8-year OS.

Conclusions:

  • Obesity is a significant concern in LBWPT children throughout childhood.
  • Early rapid weight gain in the first year is a key predictor of developing obesity by age 8.
  • Birth weight category influences obesity prevalence, with lower birth weights showing lower rates.
Abstract

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