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The associations between weight-related anthropometrics during childhood and lung function in late childhood: a

Kristine Kjer Byberg1, Ingvild Bruun Mikalsen2,3, Geir Egil Eide4,5

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Stavanger University Hospital, POB 8100, N-4068, Stavanger, Norway. kristine.kjer.byberg@sus.no.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine
|January 21, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Childhood weight measurements, including body mass index (BMI), are linked to lung function in later childhood. Inverse U-shaped associations suggest differing impacts for normal-weight versus overweight children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Growth and Development
  • Public Health Nutrition

Background:

  • Longitudinal studies on childhood body weight and lung function are limited.
  • Previous research suggests a potential link between childhood weight and later respiratory health.
  • Understanding this association is crucial for early intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between weight-related anthropometric measurements throughout childhood and lung function in late childhood.
  • To explore how various anthropometric indicators predict lung function parameters.
  • To identify potential sex-specific differences in these associations.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 463 children had lung function measured at 12.8 years.
  • Anthropometric measurements (birth weight, BMI, waist circumference, skinfolds) were recorded from birth to 12.8 years.
  • Multiple linear and fractional polynomial regression analyses were used to assess associations.

Main Results:

  • Positive associations were observed between birth weight and childhood BMI with forced vital capacity (FVC%) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%).
  • Later childhood BMI, waist circumference, and BMI changes were linked to FVC%, FEV1%, FEV1/FVC, and forced expiratory flow.
  • Inverse U-shaped associations were found between BMI and lung function, particularly in girls and at later childhood ages, with differential impacts noted for normal-weight and overweight children.

Conclusions:

  • Weight-related anthropometrics during childhood significantly influence lung function in late childhood.
  • These associations may reflect physiological effects or indicate airflow limitation.
  • The findings highlight the importance of monitoring weight status for respiratory health outcomes in children.
Abstract

Keywords:
Birth weightBody mass indexChildLung function testsSkin fold thickness

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