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Birth weight and subsequent body mass index in children: an international cross-sectional study

E A Mitchell1, A W Stewart2, I Braithwaite3

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Pediatric Obesity
|May 13, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Higher birth weight is linked to increased body mass index (BMI) in children aged 6-7 years. This positive association between birth weight and BMI was observed globally, regardless of country income level.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Childhood Obesity

Background:

  • The relationship between birth weight and subsequent body mass index (BMI) in children has been inconsistently reported.
  • Understanding this association is crucial for early identification and prevention of childhood obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between birth weight and body mass index (BMI) in children aged 6-7 years.
  • To explore potential variations in this association across different socioeconomic contexts.

Main Methods:

  • Secondary analysis of data from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase Three.
  • Utilized data from 72,111 children across 17 countries, including birth weight, current height, weight, and maternal smoking information.
  • Employed a general linear mixed model to assess the association between BMI and birth weight.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant positive linear association was found between birth weight and BMI in 6-7 year old children.
  • Each kilogram increase in birth weight correlated with a 0.47 kg/m² increase in BMI (p < 0.0001).
  • This association was consistent across different birth weight categories and showed no significant interaction with Gross National Income (GNI).

Conclusions:

  • A clear positive linear relationship exists between birth weight and BMI in children aged 6-7 years.
  • This relationship is evident in both high-income and low-income countries, highlighting a universal trend.
  • Findings underscore the importance of birth weight as an early indicator for childhood BMI and potential obesity risk.
Abstract

Keywords:
Birth weightbody mass indexchildepidemiologygross national income

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