PC91 GROWTH PARAMETER ASSESSMENT IN THE EU CHILDHOOD OBESITY PROGRAMME STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Recent studies suggest that early determinants of the risk of becoming obese take place early in life. Growth patterns such as rapid weight or length gain in the first years of life or an early adiposity rebound are associated with an increased risk of later overweight. To assess the association between various feeding modes and early growth, a longitudinal study is conducted in five countries. An agreed methodology for anthropometric data collection trans-culturally was developed. Methods: Intervention trial of infant formulae, plus a group of breast–fed infants in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain. During the 2 year follow-up, measurements are recorded at five occasions. Parents’ measurements are reported at inclusion, and measured after one year follow-up. Results: Develop and agree methodology for anthropometric data collection trans-culturally. Train personnel in five trial countries to collect anthropometric data in infants and their parents in an agreed fashion Measure infants at ages 0–4 weeks, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months; record weight and length at birth from the files. Choose equipment and take anthropometric measurements of infants according to standard procedures (1,2): weight, crown-sole, crown-rump and heel-knee lengths, wrist breath, triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness, head, arm, chest and waist circumferences. Calculate from these measurements: weight and length gain, BMI, indices of fat distribution, body composition from skinfold measurements. Conclusion: The various anthropometric parameters recorded during the early phase of growth, will allow to compare growth patterns in the different feeding groups.