Heaviest and Fastest-growing Infants More Likely to Be Obese as Children, Adolescents, and Adults
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 60 million American adults are obese , and more than nine million American children and teenagers are overweight. With overweight and obesity becoming more prevalent in children and adolescents, prevention efforts have started to focus on this age group. But how early in life do we begin to be at risk for obesity?
In an online study published by the British Medical Journal on October 14, 2005, researchers sought to determine whether the risk for obesity could be identified during infancy (the period between three months and two years of age). They found that heavier infants or infants who grew rapidly were at increased risk for obesity during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
About the Study
The researchers analyzed 24 studies that examined the relationship between infant size or infant growth and the risk of obesity at any age after infancy.
Of the 18 studies that examined the relationship between infant size and subsequent obesity, most found that the heaviest infants, those who were defined as obese, or those who had the highest body mass index were more likely to be obese in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Of the ten studies that looked at infant growth and obesity, seven found that more rapid growth during the first two years of life increased the risk of obesity during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood.
The main limitation of this study was that the definitions of infant size, infant growth, and obesity varied from study to study. In addition, several studies did not take other factors relevant to obesity, such as family history, into consideration.
How Does This Affect You?
It is customary for birth announcements to include three bits of information: name, birth date, and birth weight. The greater the weight, the more impressed is the announcement’s recipient, as if the mother must have done an extra good job with her pregnancy. While low birth weight carries important risks, large babies are also at risk for future health problems.
This study suggests that childhood, adolescent, and adult obesity may be associated with infant size and growth. These conclusions are consistent with other research that has demonstrated a link between birthweight and adult obesity, as well as childhood growth and obesity.
If you are concerned about your infant’s weight or growth, talk to your pediatrician. Although childhood obesity should not be taken lightly, infants and young children need proper and adequate nutrition for healthy growth and development. Compromising a child’s nutrition during infancy without careful supervision could end up doing them more harm than good.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Pediatrics
www.aap.org
Weight-control Information Network
National Institte of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
http://win.niddk.nih.gov
References:
Baird J et al. Being big or growing fast: systematic review of size and growth in infancy and later obesity. BMJ . 2005. Published online October 14, 2005.
Last reviewed Oct 21, 2005 by Richard Glickman-Simon, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.