Anthropometric Measurements Of Children Research Articles

Nutritional Status of Children (2-5 Years) in Isiala Ngwa North L.G.A, Abia State, Nigeria

The study assessed the nutritional status of children aged 2-5 years in Isiala Ngwa North L.G.A, Abia State. One hundred and fifty pre-school children were randomly selected for the survey of which 78 were males and 72 females. Structured and validated questionnaires were used in data collection. Data collection included personal information of the child, family information, food habits/dietary pattern of the children, anthropometric measurements of the preschool children and food frequency questionnaire. Data obtained from the survey were analysed using descriptive statistics - frequency, percentages and correlation. The statistical software SPSS version 18 was used for analysis, cross tabulation and chi square analysis were used to examine the relationship between the variables. Significance was accepted at P < 0.05. The indicators of nutritional status were calculated using WHO Anthro. The results showed that 10% of the respondents were wasted, 36% stunted and about 20.3% were underweight. Malnutrition was more prevalent among females than in males. The foods frequently consumed by the respondents were carbohydrates, for example, garri, rice and bread. Protein rich foods sometimes complemented their diets consciously or unconsciously with foods like fish, crayfish, beans and milk being consumed by the respondents. Socioeconomic and demographic variables like type of cooking fuel used, type of house, single parenthood, monthly income, source of drinking water and toilet facility had a significant association (P<0.05) on the nutritional status of the respondents. The nutritional status of preschool children in this study was poor. Adequate nutrition is essential to children's growth and development.

Different osteocalcin forms, markers of metabolic syndrome and anthropometric measures in children within the IDEFICS cohort

ObjectiveOsteocalcin (OC), an aboundant non-collagenous bone protein, is inversely associated with parameters of glucose metabolism. Interactions between bone tissue and energy metabolism have not been thoroughly investigated during childhood. This study investigated OC, metabolic parameters and anthropometric characteristics in normal weight and overweight/obese children. MethodsThis study comprised 108 (46 normal weight/62 overweight/obese) Swedish 2–9year old children. Anthropometric data, insulin, glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), HOMA index, vitamin D, adiponectin, total OC, carboxylated OC (cOC) and undercarboxylated OC (ucOC) were analysed. ResultsNo difference was found for total OC between the normal and overweight/obese groups, with a mean (±SD) value of 82.6 (±2.8) ng/mL and 77.0 (±2.4) ng/mL, (P=0.11), respectively. Overweight children had lower cOC levels, mean 69.1 (±2.2) ng/mL, vs. normal weight children, mean 75.6 (±2.5) ng/mL (P=0.03). The mean ucOC levels of 7.9 (±0.4) ng/mL in overweight children did not differ vs. normal weight children, mean level 7.0 (±0.4) ng/mL, (P=0.067). None of the three OC forms correlated with any of the measured parameters. ConclusionsThe cOC levels were lower in overweight children. There was no correlation between the three OC forms and any of the measured anthropometric or metabolic parameters. OC has been suggested to have a possible metabolic role, but in general the current study in prepubertal children does not support the hypothesis of an association between OC and a positive metabolic profile.

Percentiles for anthropometric measures in Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-IV study.

The aim of the study was to provide the age- and sex-specific percentile values of anthropometric measures for Iranian children and adolescents. This cross-sectional nationwide survey was conducted on a representative sample of 14,880 school students, selected by multistage random cluster sampling from urban and rural areas of 30 provinces in Iran. Anthropometric measures including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and wrist circumference were measured under standard protocols by using calibrated instruments. Age- and gender-specific reference values were developed for anthropometric measures by the maximum penalized likelihood approach [Cole's least mean square (LMS) method]. In the present study, 13,486 out of the 14,880 invited subjects completed all the required data of the study (participation rate: 90.6%). Participants consisted of 6640 girls (49.2%) and 75.6% urban residents; their mean and standard deviation (SD) age was 12.47±3.36 years. The BMI percentile curves of girls had a sharp increase from 14 to 18 years, and then began to plateau, but among boys, these curves had a consistent increase until the age of 18 years. In addition, the higher percentiles were higher in adolescent boys than girls. The HC percentile curves of both sexes had a persistent increase and the percentiles for HC were higher in adolescent girls than in boys. WC had a sharp increase from 7 to 18 years of age for boys, whereas for girls, these curves had a less sharp increase with age. In all ages, the percentiles for wrist circumference were higher in adolescent boys than girls. The findings of this study highlight the necessity of paying special attention to developing age- and gender-specific percentiles of anthropometric measures in children and adolescents.

Women's dietary diversity scores and childhood anthropometric measurements as indices of nutrition insecurity along the urban–rural continuum in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

BackgroundMalnutrition is still prevalent worldwide, and its severity, which differs between regions and countries, has led to international organisations proposing its inclusion in the global development framework that will succeed the Millennium Development Goals (post-2015 framework). In Sub-Saharan Africa, malnutrition is particularly severe, among women and children under 5 years. The prevalence of malnutrition has been reported worldwide, differing from region to region and country to country. Nevertheless, little is known about how malnutrition differs between multiple locations along an urban–rural continuum.ObjectiveA survey was carried out in and around Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, between August and September 2014 to map household nutrition insecurity along the urban–rural continuum, using a transect approach to guide the data collection.DesignTransects of 70 km long and 2 km wide directed radially from the city centre outwards were laid, and data were collected from randomly selected households along these transects. Women's dietary diversity scores (WDDSs) were calculated from a sample of 179 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) from randomly selected households. Additionally, anthropometric data (height/length and weight) of 133 children under 5 years of age were collected along the same transects for the computation of anthropometric indices.ResultsWe found that relative proportions of the nutrition indices such as stunting, wasting and underweight varied across the urban–rural continuum. Rural households (15%) had the highest relative proportion of WDDS compared with urban households (11%) and periurban households (8%). There was a significant association between children under 5 years’ nutritional status (wasting, stunting and underweight) and spatial location (p=0.023). The level of agricultural activities is a possible indicator of wasting in children aged 6–59 months (p=0.032).ConclusionChildhood undernutrition certainly has a spatial dimension that is highly influenced by the degree of urbanity, which should be taken into consideration in policy formulation and implementation.

Community monitoring interventions to curb corruption and increase access and quality of service delivery in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review

Community monitoring interventions to curb corruption and increase access and quality of service delivery in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review

Risk Factors for Undernutrition in Children under Five Years Old: Evidence from the 2011 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey

Background: Undernutrition is a major public health problem affecting the physical and mental development of infants and young children in Ghana. Inadequate dietary intakes and the prevalence of infections have largely been implicated. This study was conducted to assess the risk factors for Undernutrition in Children under-five years old in Ghana. Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of the 2011 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey which included anthropometric measurements of children under five years old. Using the modified United Nations Children's Emergency Fund conceptual framework for undernutrition, the variables of interest were extracted and classified into biological and non-biological variables. Bivariate and logistic regression analysis was conducted using SPSS 21 to identify the risk factors for stunting, underweight and wasting. Results: The survey recruited 7,550 children, 22.7% were stunted, 13.4% were underweight and 6.2% were wasted. Child age, gender, reported size at child birth, breastfeeding status, having diarrhoea or fever in the preceding two weeks, number of children in the household, child health insurance status, household wealth, and ethnicity and religion of household health and region were risk factors for undernutrition. However, only child age and sex were risk factors for all three indicators (stunting, underweight and wasting). Conclusion: Undernutrition in Ghana is a multi-sectorial problem largely influenced by the social determinants of health and health inequalities. To reduce the prevalence of undernutrition in Ghana, strategies and interventions should be targeted at building the capacity of health staff and strengthening existing systems. This should include intensifying public health messages on child care, integration and collaboration with key stakeholders in addressing socio-economic inequalities of households and communities as well as the regional discrepancies.

Childhood body mass index and risk of schizophrenia in relation to childhood age, sex and age of first contact with schizophrenia

Childhood leanness is associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia, but the effects of gender, age at anthropometric measurements and age at first diagnosis on this relationship are unclear. The present study aimed at elucidating these associations. MethodsPopulation-based cohort study with childhood anthropometric measures obtained annually from the age of 7 to 13 years in 253,353 Danes born 1930–1976 and followed to 31 December 2010. During this period, 4936 were registered with schizophrenia. The associations of childhood BMI with risk of schizophrenia were estimated with Cox regression models. ResultsChildhood BMI was significantly inversely associated with risk of schizophrenia, however with different patterns among boys and girls. In boys, childhood BMI had an inverse non-linear association with schizophrenia risk dependent on age at diagnosis; in particular, a surprisingly strong association was found between leanness and later onset of schizophrenia. In girls, the risk of schizophrenia decreased linearly with increasing BMI z-score (HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88–0.98). In both boys and girls, birth weight was inversely associated with later risk. In girls, but not in boys, birth weight appeared to significantly modify the associations; there was a somewhat stronger inverse association in the lowest birth weight category. ConclusionBirth weight as well as childhood BMI at ages 7 through 13 years is associated with risk of schizophrenia in both genders, but with a particular high risk of late-onset in lean boys irrespective of birth weight, and in lean girls with low birth weight. If replicated, these observations may inform preventive efforts build on schizophrenia trajectories rooted in early life.

Lactational Exposure to Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Its Relation to Early Childhood Anthropometric Measurements

Lactational Exposure to Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Its Relation to Early Childhood Anthropometric Measurements

Preschool children's dietary patterns and later adiposity

Background Evidence on the association of preschool children's dietary patterns with later adiposity is limited. Our aim was to evaluate the association of 4-year-old children's dietary patterns with adiposity at 7 years of age. Methods We evaluated 3473 children enrolled in the Portuguese population-based birth cohort (Generation XXI) evaluated at both 4 and 7 years. Children's dietary intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. Children's anthropometric measures and body-composition (bioelectrical impedance) were assessed according to standard procedures. …

Assessing the relative importance of dairy products to family nutrition in mixed crop-livestock production systems of Ethiopia

Livestock forms an integral part and contributes in multiple ways to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the crop-livestock systems of Ethiopia. This study presents empirical evidence of the relative importance of the consumption of dairy products to family nutrition and factors underlying differences among farm households. Cattle owning households (n = 270) and their under-5-year-old children (n = 225) were sampled for this study. Multiple approaches were applied for data collection, including a cross-sectional survey, in-depth household monitoring, a dietary diversity survey and anthropometric measurements of children. Household dietary diversity scores were low (4.6 ± 1.3), mainly comprising maize, Enset, green kales and milk products. The consumption of non-dairy Animal Source Foods (ASF: beef, mutton, chicken meat, eggs and fish) was low, intermittent and peaked during major religious or social festivities. Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) revealed substantial associations between anthropometric indices of children and socio-economic status of their parents. Specifically, predictors assigned the greatest weights, in descending order, were per capita farmland size, family size, access to clean water, crop diversity, dependency ratio, livestock holding, cash income, literacy of household head, distance to public health centres, and volume of milk available in the households. Although cow milk was identified as an important food item for children, their nutritional status was influenced by manifold factors that affect their dietary quality, health and care. Therefore, holistic approaches that embrace effective coordination among different economic sectors - notably agriculture, public health education and provision of clean water are required to achieve food and nutritional security among farming households.

Protein Energy Malnutrition in preschool tribe’s children of Chhattisgarh

Objective: The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of protein energy malnutrition(PEM) by anthropometric measurements in preschool children of tribal community of Chhattisgarh. Material and Methods: A total of 449 children 237 boys and 212 girls from 286 families were selected randomly. Anthropometric measurements were done as per standard protocol. The level of underweight, stunting and wasting was assessed using standard deviation (SD) classification as against National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference standards Results: 369 (82.1%) children belonged to one or the other grade of PEM. 189 (42%) belonged to grade II, 92 (20.4%) belonged to grade III and 84 (18.7%) belonged to grade IV while only 80(17.8%) were healthy We found that only 99 children (22%) were normal, 206 children (45.8%) were stunted, 30 (6.68%) were wasted, 114 (25.3%) were wasted and stunted. Conclusion: This study found very high rates of malnutrition in the form of underweight, stunting and wasting in preschool children of tribal community, indicating a critical situation. There is urgent need for an integrated approach towards improving the child health as well as nutritional status in this area.

Review of different anthropometric and nutritional measurements in children with bronchial asthma

The aims of this study were to describe and compare the recent literature data of anthropometric and nutritional measurements in children with bronchial asthma from the researches published in the last 10 years. 46 studies from the year 2003 to 2014 were reviewed and analyzed along with the information published before. The measurements reviewed include body height, body weight, body mass index and body composition. The severity and duration of bronchial asthma, along with the inhaled corticosteroid treatment, negatively correlate with the height of the children. Also, the fat free mass of the body is decreased and fat mass is increased. Due to more robust body build and the body mass index in children with bronchial asthma is usually increased if compared to healthy children. An increased body mass index in these children reduces the effectiveness of the treatment. Increased body mass index can also be a predictor for the risk for developing late onset bronchial asthma in girls.

Prevalence of Obesity and Its Associated Complications Among Suburban School Children of Navi Mumbai, India

Childhood obesity is a complex, multifactorial, challenging problem that has been escalating at an alarming rate in the western world and also paradoxically in the developing nations like India, due to changes in lifestyle and physical activity attributed to the phenomena of westernization and rapid urbanization. To determine anthropometric measurements of school-going children and estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among them. To assess the dietary habits, lifestyle patterns and prevalence of associated complications in obese children. Cross sectional study. Tertiary care centre. Students from government school in the age group of 5 to 15 years. The anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, dietary history, duration of physical activity, and TV viewing were recorded on a predesigned proforma. Blood investigations were done in overweight and obese children. Prevalence of obesity and associated complications. Prevalence of obesity is 9.3% with male predominance. Prevalence of obesity was higher as per waist hip ratio (WHR) as compared to body mass index (BMI) with strong correlation between WHR and BMI for the measurement of obesity. Obese children had a higher caloric intake, a heavy dinner, and more junk food. No significant association between the duration of physical activity and obesity. Obese children viewed TV for longer periods. Fasting RBS did not have a significant association with obesity, however fasting serum insulin levels may be a more reliable marker. Lipid profile seemed to be significantly deranged in obese and overweight children. Subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with obesity in 10.6% of obese children. CRP was non-reactive in all the children who were obese. Obesity is prevalent in school going children in India. Obese children had a higher caloric intake and sedentary life style. There is increased association of obesity with dyslipidemia and subclinical hypothyroidism.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) efflux capacity and its relation to anthropometric measurements in the lifeways cross-generation cohort study children

high-density lipoprotein (HDL) efflux capacity and its relation to anthropometric measurements in the lifeways cross-generation cohort study children

Medidas antropométricas orofaciais em crianças de três a cinco anos de idade

OBJETIVO: obter as medidas antropométricas orofaciais em crianças pré-escolares de três a cinco anos e realizar a correlação com idade cronológica, gênero, raça e hábitos orais. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal com 93 crianças selecionadas por meio de amostra de conveniência consecutiva. Os responsáveis responderam a um questionário sobre os hábitos orais e as crianças foram submetidas a uma avaliação odontológica e antropométrica da face. O nível de significância utilizado foi p<0,05. RESULTADOS: as médias das medidas antropométricas orofaciais foram descritas. Houve diferença estatística nas medidas de altura da face (p<0,001), terço médio da face (p<0,001), canto externo do olho até a comissura labial esquerda/direita (p<0,001) e lábio inferior (p=0,015) nas faixas etárias. O gênero masculino apresentou medidas superiores na altura de face (p=0,003), terço inferior da face (p<0,001), lábio superior (p=0,001) e lábio inferior (p<0,001). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na altura do lábio superior em sujeitos não brancos (p=0,03). A presença de hábitos orais não influenciou os resultados. O aleitamento materno exclusivo por seis meses influenciou o aumento da medida de terço médio (p=0,022) e da altura da face (p=0,037). CONCLUSÃO: as médias descritas neste estudo foram superiores aos padrões encontrados em outros estudos. As médias orofaciais aumentaram conforme a idade. Houve superioridade nas medidas para o gênero masculino e para as crianças não brancas, mas não para presença de hábitos orais.

Factors Associated with Stunting among Children Aged 6-23 Months in Zambian: Evidence from the 2007 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey

The reduction of child stunting requires an understanding of the major factors that are associated with it most especially before and during infancy of the child. This is because, the velocity of linear growth is highest during first months of life for most infants, and especially in less developed countries like Zambia. Children aged 6–23 months are usually vulnerable to stunting because of various factors such as lack of complementary foods containing the necessary nutrients during the early stages of life which leaves them vulnerable to opportunistic infections resulting in poor health outcomes and outmately stuntedness. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with stunting among children aged 6–23 months in Zambia. The study used the 2007 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey data, which had data on anthropometric measurements for both children (6–23 months) and women of child bearing age (15–49 years); and various bio-demographic and socio-economic variables. Prevalence of stunting among children 6–23 months was very high 44.5 percent p<0.001. The study further revealed that stunting was associated with various factors. Mothers age was also associated child stunting (AOR=1.756, 95%CI: 1.168, 2.641; p=0.007 and AOR=2.568, 95%CI: 1.268, 5.200; p=0.009). Children whose birth weight was small or average (AOR=1.919, 95%CI: 1.350, 2.727; p<0.001 and AOR=1.365, 95%CI: 1.090, 1.710; p=0.007) were 91.9 percent and 36.5 percent more likely to be stunted compared with children whose birth weight was large at birth. Children whose mothers had not taken iron tablets whilst pregnant (AOR=0.600, 95%CI: 0.405, 0.890; p=0.011) more likely to be stunted than those whose mothers had taken the tablets. Mother and child’s IDDS were also significant predictors of stunting (AOR=1.101, 95%CI: 1.021, 1.186; p=0.012 and AOR=1.101, 95%CI: 1.021, 1.186; p<0.001). Children (6–23 months) who were not being breastfed at the time of the survey were more likely to be stunted compared to those who reported being breastfed at the time of the survey (AOR=1.384, 95%CI: 1.067, 1.796; p=0.014). In Zambia, stunting in children aged 6–23 months is high. Stunting is significantly associated with mothers’ age, Childs’ birth weight, mothers taking iron tablets whilst pregnant and breastfeeding. These findings implies that, measures targeted at reducing child stunting should not be taken in isolation but should include a multifaceted approaching looking at both the mother and the children aged 6–23 months at all societal levels in the country as once this window of opportunity is lost then the problem of stunting shall continue to be a public health problem for unforeseeable future.

100% citrus juice: Nutritional contribution, dietary benefits, and association with anthropometric measures

ABSTRACTCitrus juices such as 100% orange (OJ) and grapefruit juice (GJ) are commonly consumed throughout the world. This review examines the contributions of OJ and GJ to nutrient intake, diet quality, and fruit intake, and supports citrus juices as nutrient-dense beverages. This review also explores the research examining associations between OJ and GJ intake and anthropometric measures. Citrus juices are excellent sources of vitamin C and contribute other key nutrients such as potassium, folate, magnesium, and vitamin A. OJ intake has been associated with better diet quality in children and adults. OJ intake has not been associated with adverse effects on weight or other body measures in observational studies in children and adults. In adults, some observational studies report more favorable body mass index or body measure parameters in OJ consumers compared to nonconsumers. Intervention studies in adults report no negative impacts of OJ or GJ consumption on anthropometric measures, although these measures were typically not the primary outcomes examined in the studies. Moderate consumption of citrus juices may provide meaningful nutritional and dietary benefits and do not appear to negatively impact body weight, body composition, or other anthropometric measures in children and adults.

Women's empowerment in agriculture and child nutritional status in rural Nepal.

To examine the association between women's empowerment in agriculture and nutritional status among children under 2 years of age in rural Nepal. Cross-sectional survey of 4080 households conducted in 2012. Data collected included: child and maternal anthropometric measurements; child age and sex; maternal age, education, occupation and empowerment in agriculture; and household size, number of children, religion, caste and agro-ecological zone. Associations between the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI)'s Five Domains of Empowerment (5DE) sub-index and its ten component indicators and child length-for-age Z-scores (LAZ) and weight-for-length Z-scores (WLZ) were estimated, using ordinary least-squares regression models, with and without adjustments for key child, maternal and household level covariates. Two hundred and forty rural communities across sixteen districts of Nepal. Children under 24 months of age and their mothers (n 1787). The overall WEAI 5DE was positively associated with LAZ (β=0·20, P=0·04). Three component indicators were also positively associated with LAZ: satisfaction with leisure time (β=0·27, P<0·01), access to and decisions regarding credit (β=0·20, P=0·02) and autonomy in production (β=0·10, P=0·04). No indicator of women's empowerment in agriculture was associated with WLZ. Women's empowerment in agriculture, as measured by the WEAI 5DE and three of its ten component indicators, was significantly associated with LAZ, highlighting the potential role of women's empowerment in improving child nutrition in Nepal. Additional studies are needed to determine whether interventions to improve women's empowerment will improve child nutrition.

Gestational weight gain and obesity, adiposity and body size in African-American and Dominican children in the Bronx and Northern Manhattan.

Gestational weight gain (GWG) is potentially modifiable and is associated with infant size and body composition; however, long-term effects on childhood obesity have not been reported among multi-ethnic urban populations. We examined the association between GWG and child anthropometric measures and body composition at 7 years [waist circumference (WC), body mass index z-score (BMIZ), obesity (BMIZ ≥95%ile) and bioelectrical impedance analysis estimates of percentage body fat (%fat)] in African-American and Dominican dyads (n = 323) in the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health prospective birth cohort study from 1998 to 2013. Linear and logistic regression evaluated associations between excessive GWG [>Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2009 guidelines] and outcomes, adjusting for pre-pregnancy BMI and covariates. Pre-pregnancy BMI (mean ± standard deviation, all such values) and total GWG were 25.8 ± 6.2 kg m(-2) (45% overweight/obese) and 16.4 ± 7.9 kg (64% > IOM guidelines), respectively. Excessive GWG was associated with higher BMIZ {0.44 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2, 0.7], P < 0.001}, WC [β: 2.9 cm (95% CI: 1.1, 4.6), P = 0.002], %fat at 7 years [β: 2.2% (95% CI: 1.0, 3.5), P = 0.001)] and obesity [odds ratio: 2.93 (95% CI: 1.5, 5.8), P = 0.002]. Pre-pregnancy BMI was positively associated with child size, adiposity and obesity (all P < 0.05). Excessive GWG was highly prevalent and was associated with child obesity, greater percentage body fat and abdominal adiposity. Strategies to support healthy GWG are warranted to promote healthy growth and prevent childhood obesity.

Anthropometric measurements in childhood and prediction of cardiovascular risk factors in adulthood: Kaunas cardiovascular risk cohort study.

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the associations between anthropometric measurements in childhood and adulthood as well as the effect of childhood body mass index (BMI) and skinfold thickness in the prediction of adult cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsThe Study subjects were participants of the Kaunas Cardiovascular Risk Cohort study. They were 12–13 years old at the time of the baseline survey (1977) and 48–49 years old in the 35-year follow-up survey (2012, n = 506). In childhood, height, weight, subscapular and triceps skinfold thickness measurements were taken. In 2012, health examination involved measurements of blood pressure (BP), BMI, waist circumference, glucose, lipids, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess the associations of childhood BMI and skinfold thicknesses as well as BMI gain with cardiovascular risk factors in middle age. All logistic regression models were adjusted for sex, physical activity level, alcohol consumption, smoking and family history of obesity.ResultsOver 35 years of follow-up, BMI gain was greater in men than in women. Anthropometric measurements in childhood significantly correlated with values measured in adulthood. The highest correlation coefficients were defined for weight and BMI measurements (in girls r = 0.56 and r = 0.51 respectively; in boys r = 0.45 and r = 0.41 respectively, P < 0.001). Mean values of change in BMI were similar in all quintiles of childhood BMI; however, prevalence of adult obesity increased considerably with increasing quintiles. The risk of adult obesity, metabolic syndrome, hyperglycaemia or type 2 diabetes, and elevated level of high-sensitivity CRP increased with a rise in childhood BMI and skinfold thicknesses, irrespectively of BMI gain from childhood to adulthood. No relationship was found between childhood anthropometric measurements and arterial hypertension, raised level of triglycerides or reduced level of HDL cholesterol. Gain in BMI from childhood to adulthood was associated with increased odds of all above-mentioned risk factors independently of childhood BMI.ConclusionsRisk of metabolic syndrome, hyperglycaemia and diabetes, and elevated high-sensitivity CRP may be affected by childhood BMI and skinfold thickness, while risk of hypertension, raised triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol is associated more strongly with BMI gain from childhood to adulthood.