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Determinants of rapid weight gain during infancy: baseline results from the NOURISH randomised controlled trial

Seema Mihrshahi1, Diana Battistutta, Anthea Magarey

  • 1School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. l2.daniels@qut.edu.au

BMC Pediatrics
|November 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Formula feeding and scheduled feeding are linked to rapid infant weight gain, a predictor of childhood obesity. These modifiable feeding practices may increase overfeeding risk in early life.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Rapid infant weight gain is a significant predictor of childhood obesity.
  • Identifying modifiable factors associated with early life weight gain is crucial for prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine which modifiable variables are associated with rapid weight gain in early infancy.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of birth and baseline data from the NOURISH randomized controlled trial.
  • Inclusion of 612 healthy infants aged 4-7 months at baseline.
  • Multivariable logistic regression used to evaluate factors associated with rapid weight gain, defined as an increase in weight-for-age Z-score above 0.67 SD.

Main Results:

  • Formula feeding (OR = 1.72) and feeding on schedule (OR = 2.29) were significantly associated with rapid infant weight gain.
  • Male gender and lower birthweight were non-modifiable factors linked to rapid weight gain.
  • Adjustments were made for maternal age, smoking, BMI, education, and infant birthweight, age, and gender.

Conclusions:

  • Formula feeding and scheduled feeding are associated with increased weight gain in the first months of life.
  • Potential mechanisms include higher protein content in formula or increased risk of overfeeding due to feeding schedules.
  • Findings support interventions targeting feeding practices to mitigate risks of rapid infant weight gain.
Abstract

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