Growth in British Asians: longitudinal data in the first year

Weight, crown-heel length and head circumference were measured at birth and at three, six, nine and 12 months of age in 80 British Asians of predominantly Indian origin. At birth, all measurements were reduced compared with Europeans, but catch-up growth occurred during the first three months, suggesting that there had been intra-uterine growth restriction. Subsequently, linear growth remained comparable with British standards but weight-gain velocity declined, so that by one year of age mean weight was about 1 kg less than the standards. Throughout the measurement period it was more usual for infants to cross centile lines, either up or down, than to grow along them.