Abstract
There is concern about obesity in childhood throughout the world. There has been a focus on changes in weight and BMI in early childhood as a predictor of later obesity. Many national data sets, such as NHANES in the US, are cross-sectional. These data sources leave open the question of longitudinal trends. In this volume of The Journal, Jabakhanji et al use data from the nationally representative, longitudinal Growing Up in Ireland study to evaluate height, weight, and BMI at 9 months, 3 years, and 5 years of age to evaluate change over time. They found that differences at birth and infancy are most strongly associated with BMI at all ages. However, other factors, such as ethnicity, caregiver weight status, breastfeeding, sex, sleep, and socio-economic status also have small independent effects on weight status. Some of these risk factors are potentially modifiable, but we know that changing such things as caregiver weight status or breastfeeding can be quite difficult. Article page 106 ▶ Body Mass Index Changes in Early ChildhoodThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 202PreviewTo longitudinally investigate body mass index (BMI) in young children in Ireland and identify factors and critical time points associated with changes in BMI. Full-Text PDF
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call