Fetal and infant growth patterns associated with total and abdominal fat distribution in school-age children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Nutritional Epidemiology

Background:

• Accelerated infant growth is a known risk factor for developing obesity later in life.
• Understanding the interplay between fetal and infant growth patterns is crucial for early obesity prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between longitudinal fetal and infant growth trajectories and body composition in childhood.
• To determine how different growth patterns during gestation and infancy influence total and abdominal fat distribution.

Main Methods:

• Population-based prospective cohort study involving 6464 children.
• Growth measurements were collected during the second and third trimesters, at birth, and at 6, 12, and 24 months.
• Childhood body composition (BMI, fat mass index, lean mass index, android/gynoid ratio, abdominal fat) was assessed around age 6 using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and ultrasound.

Main Results:

• Both fetal and infant weight gain were independently associated with higher childhood body mass index.
• Infant weight gain uniquely correlated with increased fat mass index, android/gynoid fat ratio, and abdominal fat.
• Children exhibiting both fetal and infant growth acceleration had the highest BMI and fat mass index; those with fetal deceleration followed by infant acceleration showed the highest android/gynoid ratio and lowest lean mass index.

Conclusions:

• Fetal and infant growth both influence childhood body mass index, but only infant growth directly impacts total and abdominal adiposity.
• A pattern of decelerated fetal growth followed by accelerated infant growth may result in unfavorable body fat distribution during childhood.