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Updated: Oct 14, 2025
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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
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Body composition of children with different gestation time
Łukasz Kryst1, Magdalena Żegleń2, Agnieszka Woronkowicz1
1Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Physical Education in Kraków, Kraków, Poland.
Summary
Children born with shorter gestation periods showed higher body composition values after age 6-8 years. However, longer gestation was linked to greater Body Mass Index (BMI) and adiposity in younger children, highlighting risks for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Human Growth and Development
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Childhood body composition is influenced by various factors, including prenatal development.
- Understanding these influences is crucial for identifying potential long-term health risks.
- Gestational duration is a key factor in fetal development and may impact postnatal growth trajectories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between gestational duration and body composition in prepubescent children.
- To identify specific body composition differences based on gestation time in children aged 3-10 years.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 3-10-year-old children.
- Measurements included skinfold thickness, arm circumference, height, weight, and femur breadth.
- Calculated Body Mass Index (BMI), sum of skinfolds, and muscle mass; gestation time obtained via questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Children with shorter gestation exhibited higher body composition measures after 6-8 years of age.
- Femur breadth and muscle mass were comparable across gestation groups until 6-8 years.
- Younger children (under 6 years) with longer gestation showed higher BMI and adiposity.
Conclusions:
- Gestational duration influences early childhood body composition, with varying effects on adiposity and overall growth.
- Findings underscore the importance of monitoring body mass and adiposity in children, particularly those born prematurely.
- Preventative strategies against overweight and obesity, alongside parental education, are recommended for premature infants.
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