Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026
06:48
Author Spotlight: Advancements in 3D Optical Imaging for Comprehensive Body Composition Assessment in Modern Research
Published on: June 7, 2024
2.1K
Developmental Programming of Body Composition: Update on Evidence and Mechanisms
1Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. Elvira.Isganaitis@joslin.harvard.edu.
Current Diabetes Reports
|July 22, 2019
Summary
Prenatal stressors like poor nutrition can alter a child's body composition, increasing risks for obesity and diabetes later in life. This developmental programming affects muscle, bone, and fat mass.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Nutritional science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Early life nutritional and environmental stressors can lead to long-term health issues.
- Developmental programming describes adaptations during early development that increase chronic disease risk.
- Altered body composition, including reduced muscle/bone and increased fat mass, is a common phenotype.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature linking prenatal factors to future body composition.
- To explore the mechanisms contributing to developmental programming of body composition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological and experimental data.
- Synthesis of recent findings on prenatal exposures and body composition.
- Exploration of molecular and physiological mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Prenatal exposures (e.g., growth restriction, maternal diabetes/obesity) are linked to increased fat mass and reduced muscle/bone density.
- These effects persist from infancy through middle age.
- Mediators include maternal diet, breastmilk, metabolites, appetite regulation, epigenetics, and mitochondrial function.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal environmental disruptions significantly impact long-term body composition.
- Altered body composition is a key factor in developmental programming of obesity and diabetes.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for early intervention strategies.
Related Concept Videos
00:55Composite Bodies
1.4K
A composite body is a body made up of multiple parts, connected to form a larger, unified object. Each part has its own weight and center of gravity, which must be considered to determine the center of gravity of the composite body. In cases where the density or specific weight is constant, the center of gravity coincides with the centroid.
Composite bodies have widespread applications in mechanical engineering, from automobiles to aircraft to rockets. For example, an automobile wheel comprises...
Composite bodies have widespread applications in mechanical engineering, from automobiles to aircraft to rockets. For example, an automobile wheel comprises...
1.4K
01:29Composition of Body Fluids
2.4K
Water functions as a solvent accommodating various solutes, which can be categorized under electrolytes and non-electrolytes. Non-electrolytes are usually held together by covalent bonds, restricting them from dissociating in solution, thereby leading to a lack of electrically charged components upon dissolving in water. They are predominantly organic molecules, such as glucose, creatinine, and urea. Electrolytes, on the other hand, are compounds that can break down into ions in water.
2.4K
02:55The Evidence for Evolution
47.7K
Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.
47.7K
03:35Classifying Matter by Composition
89.7K
Matter: Pure Substances and Mixtures
According to its composition, the matter can be classified into two broad categories — pure substances and mixtures.
A pure substance is a form of matter that has a constant composition throughout with uniform properties. For example, any sample of sucrose has the same composition and same physical properties, such as melting point, color, and sweetness, regardless of the source from which it is isolated.
A mixture is composed of two or...
According to its composition, the matter can be classified into two broad categories — pure substances and mixtures.
A pure substance is a form of matter that has a constant composition throughout with uniform properties. For example, any sample of sucrose has the same composition and same physical properties, such as melting point, color, and sweetness, regardless of the source from which it is isolated.
A mixture is composed of two or...
89.7K
01:27Introduction to Developmental Psychology
1.4K
Developmental psychology explores the changes and continuities in human abilities throughout life, encompassing physical, cognitive, linguistic, and social dimensions. Human development is not restricted to growth, but includes aspects of decline, particularly in physical abilities as individuals age. Developmental psychologists seek to understand how people change as they age and how their mental and social skills evolve.Developmental MilestonesA key concept in developmental psychology is...
1.4K
01:29Three Developmental Domains
1.0K
Human development is typically examined across three main domains: physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional. These domains represent the significant areas of change and continuity throughout the lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood.
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
1.0K