Anthropometric secular changes among two cohorts of healthy infants aged 0-2 years born in 1993 and 2009

Abstract

To accomplish a longitudinal anthropometric study in two different cohorts of healthy children (from birth to 2 years of age) who were born in 1993 and 2009. The possible appearance of secular changes within this period is analyzed. Weight, height and body mass index (BMI) at birth and ages 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months in two different cohorts of healthy children born in 1993 (459 males and 425 females) and 2009 (460 males and 481 females) have been registered and analyzed. Average values for weight and BMI in 1993 cohort were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in 2009 cohort beyond 6 months of age in females and 9 months of age in males, up to 24 months of age. There were no statistically significant differences among average values of registered height in every period of age within both cohorts. The comparison of anthropometric data among two different cohorts of healthy children born in 1993 and 2009 in similar social and health conditions shows a "secular change" in a negative sense regarding weight and BMI, without affecting height.