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Factors predicting severe childhood obesity in kindergarteners

G Flores1, H Lin

  • 1Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA. glenn.flores@utsouthwestern.edu

International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|November 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Early identification of severe obesity predictors in kindergarteners is crucial. Factors like maternal obesity, gestational diabetes, and early BMI percentile crossing significantly increase risk, while healthy habits and maternal history of large newborns reduce it.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Obesity Research
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Severe obesity in US children has surged over 300% since 1976.
  • Associated with cardiovascular risks and adult obesity.
  • Highlights the need for early intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Identify key predictors of severe obesity in kindergarten-aged children.
  • Utilize a nationally representative longitudinal dataset.
  • Inform targeted prevention and management efforts.

Main Methods:

  • Employed multivariable logistic regression and recursive partitioning analysis (RPA).
  • Analyzed data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Birth Cohort.
  • Examined prenatal, infant, and early childhood factors.

Main Results:

  • Severe kindergarten obesity prevalence was 5.7%.
  • Key predictors include elevated BMI at 9 months, 2 years, and preschool age; maternal severe obesity; gestational diabetes; tea/coffee consumption; Latino/multiracial ethnicity; and sugary drink intake.
  • Protective factors include center-based daycare, fruit consumption, and maternal history of delivering a high-birth-weight infant.

Conclusions:

  • Parental, prenatal, infant, and early childhood factors are significant predictors of severe kindergarten obesity.
  • Combinations of factors can potentiate obesity risk.
  • Early identification and intervention are critical for mitigating severe childhood obesity.
Abstract

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