Changes in weight early in life are important

Abstract

As obesity and its complications have become an increasingly important health concern for children and adolescents, questions have been asked about potential critical periods for weight gain. A critical period is one in which excess weight gain is more likely to occur or a period in which excess weight gained is more likely to be persistent. In this volume of The Journal, Stock et al report on a study to determine the age during infancy and early childhood at which greater than expected gain in weight is associated with overweight in adolescence. They found that excess gain in weight any time in early life is associated with increased BMI in adolescence, but the impact is stronger after infancy. Although this does not give us information on specific ages or developmental stages on which to focus, it does emphasize that pediatricians must help families focus on healthy diet and physical activity during the first 4 years of life, particularly from age 1 to 4 years. Article page 120 ▸ Birth Weight and Weight Changes from Infancy to Early Childhood as Predictors of Body Mass Index in AdolescenceThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 222PreviewTo assess the time point during infancy and early childhood at which greater than expected weight gain is associated with overweight in adolescence. Full-Text PDF