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Impact of Early Life Factors on Metabolic Phenotypes of Obesity in Preschool Children

Zijun Liao1, Xianghui Xie1, Jing Wang2

  • 11Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China.

Diabetes Care
|March 17, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Maternal obesity and rapid BMI growth in early childhood are linked to metabolic issues in preschoolers. Early interventions for weight control are crucial for preventing metabolic abnormalities.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Obesity Research
  • Metabolic Health Studies
  • Early Life Factor Analysis

Background:

  • The first 1,000 days of life significantly influence long-term health outcomes.
  • Understanding early life determinants of metabolic phenotypes is crucial for preventing childhood obesity and related disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of early life factors on the metabolic phenotypes of obesity in preschool children.
  • To identify key risk factors during the first 1,000 days associated with metabolically unhealthy and overweight/obese classifications.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study involving 3,822 children, with 3,015 analyzed at age 3.
  • Collected data on maternal and paternal demographics, pregnancy details, and child's early growth.
  • Classified children into four groups: metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), metabolically healthy overweight/obese (MHO), and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese (MUO).

Main Results:

  • Accelerated BMI z score growth rate (6-24 months) was associated with both MHO and MUO.
  • Maternal pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity, and macrosomia were linked to MHO.
  • Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity significantly increased the risk of MUO.

Conclusions:

  • Early life factors, including maternal obesity and accelerated BMI growth, are significant predictors of both MHO and MUO.
  • Targeted interventions for weight control in children with identified early life risk factors are recommended to prevent metabolic abnormalities.
Abstract

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