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Updated: Aug 27, 2025

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
LIMIT: LIfestyle and Microbiome InTeraction Early Adiposity Rebound in Children, a Study Protocol
Rachele De Giuseppe1, Federica Loperfido1, Rosa Maria Cerbo2
1Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Insights
Early adiposity rebound (EAR) in children may be linked to early gut microbiome changes. This study explores the connection between infant gut microbes, lifestyle, and environmental factors to prevent childhood obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Microbiome Research
- Obesity Studies
Background:
- Childhood obesity predicts adult obesity, posing significant health and economic burdens.
- Adiposity rebound (AR) typically occurs between 3-7 years; early adiposity rebound (EAR) at ~2 years predisposes to later obesity.
- Obesity is linked to intestinal dysbiosis, suggesting early microbiome alterations may influence EAR and its consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal relationship between infant gut microbiome, maternal/infant lifestyle, and environmental factors in children with EAR versus typical AR.
- To identify modifiable maternal and infant factors for personalized childhood obesity prevention.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 272 mother-infant pairs from an Italian neonatal unit.
- Data collected at multiple time points (delivery to 36 months postpartum).
- Variables included maternal/infant anthropometrics, lifestyle, maternal endocrine disruptor exposure, and infant AR.
Main Results:
- The study is ongoing, results are pending.
- Analysis will focus on the interplay between gut microbiome, lifestyle, and environmental exposures in relation to EAR.
- Identifying key factors for early intervention.
Conclusions:
- Findings will form the basis for early identification of modifiable factors in maternal and infant health.
- Aims to enable personalized prevention strategies for childhood obesity.
- Understanding early microbiome changes is crucial for addressing obesity's health impacts.
Abstract:
Childhood obesity is a strong predictor of adult obesity with health and economic consequences for individuals and society. Adiposity rebound (AR) is a rise in the Body Mass Index occurring between 3 and 7 years. Early adiposity rebound (EAR) occurs at a median age of 2 years and predisposes to a later onset of obesity. Since obesity has been associated with intestinal dysbiosis, we hypothesize that EAR could be related to early microbiome changes due to maternal/lifestyle changes and environmental exposures, which can increase the unhealthy consequences of childhood obesity. LIMIT is a prospective cohort study that aims at identifying the longitudinal interplay between infant gut microbiome, infant/maternal lifestyle, and environmental variables, in children with EAR vs. AR. Methods. The study evaluated 272 mother-infant pairs, enrolled at an Italian neonatal unit, at different time points (T0, at delivery; T1, 1 month; T2, 6 months; T3, 12 months; T4, 24 months; T5, 36 months after birth). The variables that were collected include maternal/infant anthropometric measurements, lifestyle habits, maternal environmental endocrine disruptor exposure, as well as infant AR. The LIMIT results will provide the basis for early identification of those maternal and infant modifiable factors on which to act for an effective and personalized prevention of childhood obesity.
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