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Determinants of rapid infant weight gain: A pooled analysis of seven cohorts

Miaobing Zheng1, Kylie D Hesketh1, Peter Vuillermin2

  • 1Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, Australia.

Pediatric Obesity
|May 5, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Rapid infant weight gain (RWG) is linked to later obesity. Factors like male sex and maternal smoking increase RWG risk, while breastfeeding and higher birth weight decrease it. Understanding these determinants is key to early obesity prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Rapid weight gain (RWG) in infancy is a significant predictor of future obesity.
  • Factors influencing infant RWG require further investigation to inform early intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify child and maternal factors associated with rapid weight gain (RWG) in infancy.
  • To explore the relationship between various demographic and lifestyle factors and infant RWG.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 4542 infants across seven Australian and New Zealand cohorts.
  • Definition of infant RWG as a change in weight z-score ≥0.67 from birth to 1 year.
  • Application of univariable, multivariable logistic regression, and meta-analysis to determine associations.

Main Results:

  • Male infants had a higher likelihood of RWG (OR 1.42).
  • Higher birth weight (OR 0.09) and gestational age (OR 0.69) were associated with lower RWG risk.
  • Breastfeeding for ≥6 months (OR 0.45) and maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR 1.60) significantly impacted RWG risk.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal country of birth, smoking, child sex, birth weight, gestational age, infant feeding practices, and parity are key determinants of infant RWG.
  • These findings highlight modifiable and non-modifiable factors influencing early growth trajectories.
  • Identifying these determinants is crucial for developing targeted strategies to mitigate obesity risk starting in infancy.
Abstract

Keywords:
birth weightdeterminantsinfantinfant feedingpooled analysisrapid weight gain

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