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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Infectious diseases in children and body mass index in young adults
Gina Suh1, Catherine Ley, Julie Parsonnet
1Stanford University-Infectious Diseases, 300 Pasteur Dr, Grant Building S101, Mc 5107, Stanford, CA 94305-5107, USA. gsuh@stanford.edu
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|August 31, 2012
Insights
Early life infections impact adult body mass. Diarrhea, fever, and poor sanitation in infancy were linked to lower adult BMI, while respiratory infections were linked to higher BMI.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Human Physiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood infections are common globally.
- Early life health can influence long-term development.
- Body mass index (BMI) is a key indicator of adult health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between early life infections and adult body mass index (BMI).
- To explore the long-term effects of common childhood illnesses on adult physique.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of 1,863 Filipino individuals was analyzed.
- Data on infant infections (diarrhea, fever, upper respiratory tract infection) and sanitation were collected.
- Adult body mass index (BMI) was measured and compared with early life health data.
Main Results:
- Infant diarrhea, fever, and unsanitary conditions were associated with decreased adult BMI.
- Infant upper respiratory tract infections were associated with increased adult BMI.
- These findings suggest a significant role of early life infections in shaping adult body habitus.
Conclusions:
- Infections during infancy have a lasting impact on adult body composition.
- Public health interventions focusing on early childhood health and sanitation may influence long-term BMI outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms linking early infections to adult BMI.
Abstract:
In a cohort of 1,863 Filipinos, diarrhea, fever, and unsanitary conditions in infancy were associated with a decreased body mass index in adulthood; upper respiratory tract infection was associated with an increased body mass index. These finding support the hypothesis that infections early in life play a role in body habitus in adulthood.
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