Faster Weight Gain Research Articles

Adolescent Metabolic Syndrome Risk Is Increased with Higher Infancy Weight Gain and Decreased with Longer Breast Feeding

Background. Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is increasing in pediatric age groups worldwide. Meeting the criteria for the metabolic syndrome puts children at risk for later cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Methods. Using linear regression, we examined the association between infant weight gain from birth to 3 months and risk for the metabolic syndrome among 16- to 17-year-old Chilean adolescents (n = 357), accounting for the extent of breastfeeding in infancy and known covariates including gender, birth weight, and socioeconomic status. Results. Participants were approximately half male (51%), born at 40 weeks of gestation weighing 3.5 kg, and 48% were exclusively breastfed for ≥90 days. Factors independently associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome in adolescence were faster weight gain in the first 3 months of life (B = 0.16, P < 0.05) and male gender (B = 0.24, P < 0.05). Breastfeeding as the sole source of milk for ≥90 days was associated with significantly decreased risk of metabolic syndrome (B = −0.16). Conclusion. This study adds to current knowledge about early infant growth and breastfeeding and their long-term health effects.

Abstract LB-460: Effects of folic acid supplementation on mammary tumor progression

Abstract Background: The role of folate in breast cancer is highly controversial. Although some epidemiologic studies have suggested a protective effect of high folate status on breast cancer risk, recent studies have suggested that high folate intake, largely from folic acid (the synthetic form of folate), and high plasma folate levels may increase breast cancer risk. In animal studies, folic acid supplementation was shown to promote the progression of established preneoplastic lesions of colon cancer. Folic acid intake in North America has drastically increased over the past decade due to folic acid fortification and widespread supplemental use. Almost 70% of breast cancer patients consume folic acid containing vitamin supplements after diagnosis. The benefits of folic acid supplementation in patients with breast cancer are unknown and there is a concern that folic acid supplementation may in fact adversely affect breast cancer progression. We therefore investigated the effects of folic acid supplementation on the progression of established mammary tumors in the DMBA rat model. Methods: Female Sprague Dawley rats were placed on a control diet containing 2 mg folic acid/kg diet and mammary tumors were initiated with DMBA at 7 weeks of age. When the sentinel tumor reached a diameter between 7–9 mm, rats were randomized to receive a diet containing 2 (control), 5, 8, or 10 mg of folic acid/kg diet for up to 12 weeks. Body weight and mammary tumor growth were measured weekly and plasma folate levels at necropsy were determined. At necropsy, the sentinel and all other mammary tumors were excised and histologically analyzed. Results: The final weight of the animals at necropsy was not significantly different among the 4 groups. Animals on the control and 10 mg folic acid/kg diet had significantly faster weight gain than those on the 8 mg folic acid/kg diet (p&amp;lt;0.02) while those on the 5 mg folic acid diet did not differ significantly from either group. Plasma folate levels significantly reflected the supplemental levels of folic acid in a dose-responsive manner (p&amp;lt;0.05). Sentinel tumor growth (mm2/week) was not significantly different among the 4 groups at 4, 7, and 12 post randomization. Sentinel tumor weight at necropsy was lower in the control group compared with the 5 and 8 (p&amp;lt;0.05) and with the 10 (p=0.051) mg folic acid/kg diet groups. Total weight of all mammary tumors was highest in 5 and 8 mg supplemented groups compared to the control group (p&amp;lt; 0.05, p=0.086). Conclusion: Our data suggest that folic acid supplementation may promote the progression of established mammary tumors, although no clear dose-responsive relationship was observed. Given the drastically increased folic acid intake and the mortality and morbidity of breast cancer in North America, the potential adverse effect of folic acid supplementation on breast cancer progression needs to be clarified. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-460. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-LB-460

Body size and growth in 0- to 4-year-old children and the relation to body size in primary school age

Excess weight in early life is believed to increase susceptibility to obesity, and in support of such theory, excess weight and fast weight gain in early childhood have been related to overweight later in life. The aim of this study was to review the literature on body size and growth in 0- to 4-year-old children and the association with body size at age 5-13 years. In total, 43 observational studies on body size and/or growth were included, of which 24 studies had been published in 2005 or later. Twenty-one studies considered body size at baseline, and 31 studies considered growth which all included assessment of weight gain. Eight (38%) studies on body size, and 15 (48%) on weight gain were evaluated as high-quality studies. Our results support conclusions in previous reviews of a positive association between body size and weight gain in early childhood, and subsequent body size. Body size at 5-6 months of age and later and weight gain at 0-2 years of age were consistently positively associated with high subsequent body size. Results in this review were mainly based on studies from developed Western countries, but seven studies from developing countries showed similar results to those from developed countries.

Addressing Tuberculosis in the Context of Malnutrition and HIV Coinfection

Tuberculosis is the second leading cause of infectious disease mortality (1.8 million/year), after HIV/AIDS. There are more than 9 million new cases each year. One-third of the world's population, and 50% of adults in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and SouthEast Asia, are infected, representing an enormous pool of individuals at risk for developing the disease. The situation is complicated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, widespread undernutrition, smoking, diabetes, increased mobility, and emergence of multi- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis. To review the scientific evidence about the interactions among tuberculosis, nutrition, and HIV coinfection. HIV infection and malnutrition lower immunity, increasing the risk of reactivation tuberculosis and primary progressive disease. Having either tuberculosis or HIV infection causes weight loss. Malnutrition markedly increases mortality among both tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS patients and should be treated concurrently with treatment of the infections. Tuberculosis treatment is a prerequisite for nutritional recovery, in addition to intake of nutrients required for rebuilding tissues, which is constrained in food-insecure households. Additional pharmaceutical treatment to reduce the catabolic impact of inflammation or promote growth may be needed. Specific nutrients can contribute to faster sputum smear clearance, which is important for reducing transmission, as well as faster weight gain when combined with an adequate diet. Adequate nutrition and weight gain in undernourished populations might reduce the incidence of tuberculosis. The many risk factors for the development of tuberculosis need to be addressed simultaneously, especially HIV/AIDS and food insecurity and undernutrition. For stronger evidence-based guidelines, existing recommendations and clinical applications need to be more widely applied and evaluated.

Nutrition in infancy and long-term risk of obesity: evidence from 2 randomized controlled trials

Growth acceleration as a consequence of relative overnutrition in infancy has been suggested to increase the risk of later obesity. However, few studies have investigated this association by using an experimental study design. We investigated the effect of early growth promotion on later body composition in 2 studies of infants born small for gestational age (weight <10th percentile in study 1 and <20th percentile in study 2). We reviewed a subset of children (n = 153 of 299 in study 1 and 90 of 246 in study 2) randomly assigned at birth to receive either a control formula or a nutrient-enriched formula (which contained 28-43% more protein and 6-12% more energy than the control formula) at 5-8 y of age. Fat mass was measured by using bioelectric impedance analysis in study 1 and deuterium dilution in study 2. Fat mass was lower in children assigned to receive the control formula than in children assigned to receive the nutrient-enriched formula in both trials [mean (95% CI) difference for fat mass after adjustment for sex: study 1: -38% (-67%, -10%), P = 0.009; study 2: -18% (-36%, -0.3%), P = 0.04]. In nonrandomized analyses, faster weight gain in infancy was associated with greater fat mass in childhood. In 2 prospective randomized trials, we showed that a nutrient-enriched diet in infancy increased fat mass later in childhood. These experimental data support a causal link between faster early weight gain and a later risk of obesity, have important implications for the management of infants born small for gestational age, and suggest that the primary prevention of obesity could begin in infancy.

Growth, Body Composition, and the Onset of Puberty: Longitudinal Observations in Afro-Caribbean Children

Childhood growth and body composition may influence the onset of puberty. We examined the effects of birth size, growth rates throughout childhood, and body composition on the onset of puberty in Afro-Caribbean children. This was a longitudinal birth cohort study (the Vulnerable Windows Cohort Study) in Jamaica. The anthropometry (weight, height, skinfold measurements, and waist circumference) of 259 children was measured at birth, at 6 wk, every 3 months to 2 yr, and then every 6 months. Tanner staging for puberty and orchidometry were performed every 6 months starting at approximately age 8 yr. Bioelectrical impedance was done at age 11 yr. In the girls, thelarche, pubarche, and menarche occurred at median ages of 8.8, 9.9, and 12.0 yr, respectively. Pubarche in boys occurred at a median age of 11.3 yr when the median testicular volume was 2.8 ml. Faster weight gain during infancy (age 0-6 months) and childhood, but not birth size, was associated with more advanced puberty (P values <0.05). Fat mass at age 8 yr was associated with more advanced puberty (P values <0.001) in both sexes. At age 11 yr, lean mass, but not fat mass, was associated with more advanced puberty (P values <0.001). These data support the hypothesis that faster growth throughout childhood, especially with fat mass accretion, is associated with more advanced puberty apart from menarche. With the onset of puberty, lean mass accretion significantly increases.

Early growth and markers of cardiovascular risk in Keralan children in the Integrated Child Development Scheme

Low birth weight is associated with increased lifelong morbidity. Kerala has a renowned, low-cost, maternal-child health system in which is couched universal access to the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), central to which is community-based maternal-infant nutritional supplementation. We assessed whether children in this environment showed enhanced birth weight and postnatal growth and whether the evolution of early markers of CVD was attenuated in comparison to contemporaries from other states. A part retrospective, part prospective cohort study in which children (n 286) born in 1998-2000 in Calicut were identified from Anganwadi records. They were traced at 6 years and underwent full anthropometry and blood pressure measurements at 6 and 8 years. Mean birth weight (2.86 (SD 0.40) kg) was greater than in Indian contemporaries but consistently <-1 SD below the National Center for Health Statistics reference median throughout childhood. Birth weight significantly predicted body mass (BMI) at 8 years. Lower birth weight was strongly predictive of a higher waist:hip ratio (WHR) indicative of adverse central (coelomic) fat distribution (P < 0.01). Faster weight gain in infancy was weakly predictive of a lower WHR (P = 0.59), but faster late childhood growth at 6-8 years was non-significantly predictive of adverse WHR. At 8 years of age, children in Calicut participating in the ICDS have greater birth weight and relative attenuation of the evolution of early CVD markers compared with children in apparently comparable states. The relative contributions of the ICDS and other factors inherent to Kerala cannot be inferred from the present study.

Sex-specific effect of body weight gain on systemic inflammation in subjects with COPD: results from the SAPALDIA cohort study 2

Systemic inflammation may mediate the association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and extrapulmonary comorbidities. We measured high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in COPD and quantified the effect modification by body weight change and sex. Using data from the Swiss study on Air Pollution and Lung Diseases in Adults (SAPALDIA; n = 5,479) with measurements of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)), body weight and hs-CRP, we examined the association of hs-CRP and categories of body weight change (lost weight and weight gained 0-5%, 5-9%, 9-14% and >14%) with fast FEV(1) decline. hs-CRP was elevated both in association with fast FEV(1) decline and body weight gain. Subjects with fast FEV(1) decline and weight gain (>14%) had higher hs-CRP (2.0 mg L(-1) for females versus 1.6 mg L(-1) for males). After adjustment for age, smoking, physical activity, hormonal therapy and diabetes, elevated hs-CRP (>3 mg) was found to be more likely in subjects with fast FEV(1) decline (OR(males) 1.38, OR(females) 1.42) and in those with weight gain >14% (OR(males) 2.04, OR(females) 4.51). The association of weight gain and fast FEV(1) decline predicts a higher level of systemic inflammation. Since the effect of weight gain on systemic inflammation is larger in females than in males, weight gain may be a risk factor for extrapulmonary comorbidities in females with COPD.

Low birth weight and early weight gain in the metabolic syndrome: Consequences for infant nutrition

Emerging data indicate that being born small for gestational age (SGA) and rapid infant catch-up growth may play a significant role in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and the metabolic syndrome (MS) many years later in life. The impact of these perinatal T2DM and MS risk factors may be more important than genetics in some parts of the world, including low-income countries. Breastfeeding for 3–6 months is associated with reduced risk of developing insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. Promotion of fast growth in SGA infants by nutrient-enriched formula increases risk of hypertension and the metabolic syndrome. While waiting for better knowledge of how to combat T2DM and MS with early-life interventions, breastfeeding should be recommended and enforced whenever possible, keeping in mind the health and nutritional status of the mother. Furthermore, promotion of fast weight gain in SGA infants by nutrient-enriched formula feeding should be used with caution. However, growth limitation by restriction of nutrition in SGA infants below general recommendations should not be recommended.

Effects of infant feeding practice on weight gain from birth to 3 years

Objective:The influence of infant feeding practices on weight gain during childhood remains unresolved, with few studies adjusting appropriately for confounding factors. This study examined the effect of breastfeeding initiation, breastfeeding...

Fast food consumption and increased caloric intake: a systematic review of a trajectory towards weight gain and obesity risk

Consumption of fast food, which have high energy densities and glycemic loads, and expose customers to excessive portion sizes, may be greatly contributing to and escalating the rates of overweight and obesity in the USA. Whether an association exists between fast food consumption and weight gain is unclear. Sixteen studies (six cross sectional, seven prospective cohort, three experimental) meeting methodological and relevance criteria were selected for inclusion in this systematic review. While more research needs to be conducted specifically in regard to effects of fast food consumption among subpopulations such as children and adolescents, sufficient evidence exists for public health recommendations to limit fast food consumption and facilitate healthier menu selection. As the fast food industry continues to increase both domestically and abroad, the scientific findings and corresponding public health implications of the association between fast food consumption and weight are critical.

The effect of temperament on weight gain of Hungarian Merino, German Merino and German Blackhead lambs

Abstract. We evaluated temperament of sheep using two temperament tests: temperament score test and flight test. Temperament score test: behaviour of animals was assessed in a 5-score system while weighing, spending 30 s on the scale. Flight time test: the time taken by an animal to move a set distance (1.7 m) after exiting a weighing scale into an open yard. 10 rams, 22 ewes Hungarian Merino, 13 rams, 19 ewes German Merino and 12 rams, 16 ewes German Blackhead lambs were lot-fed on 49 days, after weaning. The temperament score test was not related to the weight at weaning, therefore the measurement of the temperament was not affected by the weaning process (P&gt;0.10). The gender not affected the temperament scores in either of observations or genotypes. In this investigation German Blackhead lambs were calmer, than Hungarian Merino lambs. The evaluation of the effects of temperament (temperament score test [TS] and flight time test [FT]) on body weight showed that lambs with calm temperament had higher weight at the end of fattening (TS: 44.88 kg and FT: 42.37 kg) and higher average daily weight gain as well (TS: 492.18 g/day and FT: 430.03 g/day), compared to nervous animals (TS: 36.20 kg and 330.08 g/day, P&lt;0.001; FT: 36.73 kg and 345.77 g/day, P&lt;0.05). The lambs with good temperament had better fattening performance (higher weight at end of fattening, faster weight gain) than nervous lambs.

Influence of growth trajectories on risk of overweight during early childhood among a population‐based longitudinal cohort in China

To assess the nutritional status of preschool children aged under 5 in China and to examine the influence of early growth patterns on later adiposity and overweight risks (assessed using body mass index, BMI), we followed 131,215 children born during 2000–2005 in Zhejiang Province, south China. Z scores and prevalence of overweight were calculated using the 2006 WHO growth charts. The association was explored using linear and logistic models. From age 1 to 5, the prevalence (%) of overweight (BMI z‐score&lt;2) decreased from 7.2, to 5.3, 3.1, 2.1, and 2.1, respectively. In the 21,711 participants with repeated anthropometric measures between birth and ages of 4–5, prevalence of overweight at ages 4–5 was 2.1%, while 11.8% had a BMI z‐score&lt;1. Elevated risk for overweight at age 4–5 was associated with faster weight gain (100 g/month) during infancy (OR=2.41; 95% CI: 2.13–2.72) and 1‐3 years of life (OR=11.39 (9.10–14.26)) adjusted for covariates, while the risk was negatively associated with faster height growth (P&lt;0.05). Other factors such as gender, urban/rural residence, birth weight, access to health care, maternal BMI and weight gain during pregnancy were also associated with overweight risk (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, prospective data from a large birth cohort in China show that rapid weight gain during early years of life and other pre‐ and postnatal factors predict increased risk for overweight at age 4‐5 years.

Promotion of Faster Weight Gain in Infants Born Small for Gestational Age: Is There an Adverse Effect on Later Blood Pressure?

Promotion of Faster Weight Gain in Infants Born Small for Gestational Age: Is There an Adverse Effect on Later Blood Pressure?

Low birth weight, but not postnatal weight gain, aggravates the course of nephrotic syndrome

Clinical and animal studies have shown a higher risk of an aggravated course of renal disease in childhood after birth for babies small for gestational age (SGA). In addition relative "supernutrition" and fast weight gain in early infancy seem to support the development of later disease. In a retrospective analysis of 62 cases of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome treated between 1994 and 2004 at a university centre for paediatric nephrology, we related the course of disease to birth weight and to the weight gain in the first 2 years of life. Six children were born SGA (birth weight <-1.5 standard deviation score), and 56 were born as appropriate for gestational age (AGA). In all SGA children renal biopsy was performed, while only 55% of the AGA children underwent renal biopsy (P = 0.07), showing no difference in renal histology. In the SGA group, four of six patients developed steroid resistance (vs 12/56 AGA, P < 0.05). Of the SGA children, 83% needed antihypertensive treatment in the course of the disease compared to 39% of the AGA children (P = 0.07). The extent of weight gain between birth and 24 months of age did not influence the course of disease. In conclusion, we were able to find evidence for an aggravated course of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in former SGA children. Independently of birth weight, weight gain in the first 2 years of life did not influence the course of disease.

Slow change in body mass index during early triplet pregnancy is associated with decreased birth weight

This study evaluates the impact of an average change in body mass index (BMI) during the first 16-25 weeks on outcomes of triplet pregnancies. In this retrospective observational study we evaluated a cohort of triplets born to 1235 nulliparas and 705 multiparas. The difference between the pregravid body mass index (BMI) and that obtained upon admission at 16-25 weeks' gestation was averaged to obtain the weekly change in BMI, defined as slow, typical, or fast by values<1SD, +/-1SD, and >1SD from the mean average weekly change in BMI. We compared gestational age and birth weight parameters in these three subgroups and by parity. The average weekly BMI-adjusted weight gain was 0.18+/-0.08 and 0.17+/-0.08 kg/m2/week for nulliparas and multiparas, respectively. In both parity groups, differences were noted between slow and typical and between slow and fast, but not between typical and fast weight gain. Nulliparas with slow weight gain had a significantly higher incidence of infants weighing<1000 g (OR 2.0-2.5), 1000-1500 g (OR 1.4 compared with fast weight gain), and included 60-100% more sets with at least 1 SGA infant. In multiparas, there was no effect on gestational age, but otherwise, a similar trend for birth weight parameters was found. Slow weekly change in BMI (<1 SD from the mean) at 16-25 weeks is associated with decreased birth weight but there was no advantage for fast over a typical weigh gain.

The Influence of Temperament on Weight Gain in Early Infancy

Difficult temperament has been associated with fast weight gain and slow weight gain, although the latter mostly in referred subjects studies in late infancy. The current study set out to investigate early weight gain in relation to all domains of temperament in a community-screened sample. Weight gain from birth to 8 weeks was assessed in 75 infants recruited from local health care clinics who had demonstrated slow, average, or fast weight gain. Mothers completed a temperament questionnaire and a 2-day diary recording infant behaviors (sleeping, feeding, fussing, and crying). Weight gain from birth to 8 weeks was significantly related to infant temperament. The temperament dimension fear (acceptance or rejection of new objects or persons) was related to slow weight gain and the temperament dimension distress to limitations (negative emotionality and the infant's reaction to frustrating situations) was related to fast weight gain. The regression model explained 59% of the variance, with the temperament dimensions explaining 11%. Diary data showed that infants who scored high on fear tended to cry a lot, while infants with high scores on distress to limitations tended to sleep less and cry and fuss more. The results emphasize that different temperament domains influence slow and fast weight gain. In addition, the data suggest that infant temperament plays a part in physical development in early infancy.

Does a Mother Singing to her Premature Baby Affect Feeding in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit?

Recent studies suggest that premature neonates exposed to music have reduced symptoms of stress, faster weight gain, and shorter neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stays. This pilot study attempted to measure contingent effects of mothers' singing during feedings. Mothers sang to their babies during 2 of 4 feedings on 2 consecutive days, logging songs they sang, and subjectively evaluating each feeding. Infants' heart and respiration rates were recorded as well as duration of feeding and volume of fluid taken orally; feeding velocity and percent of feeding goal were calculated. In paired t tests, no significant benefits or deterrents assignable to the singing were observed.

Weight and Height Growth Rate and the Timing of Adiposity Rebound

Adiposity rebound occurs when the ratio of the velocities of log(weight) to log(height) changes from <2 to >2. This study examined the timing of adiposity rebound in the context of the velocities of weight and height in early childhood because it is not known whether faster weight gain or slower gain in stature is the more important determinant. This was a longitudinal study of 406 boys and 397 girls born in Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1972 and 1973. Each child's height and weight were measured at 3 years of age and at least twice more as part of their two yearly assessments until 11 years of age. The mean age of adiposity rebound was 6.6+/-1.10 years (SD) for boys and 6.0+/-1.21 years for girls. After adjusting for sex, the correlations between the timing of rebound and z-scores for BMI, weight, and height at rebound were -0.35, -0.30, and -0.14, respectively. Correlations between the timing of rebound and estimated values of weight and height velocities at 3 years were -0.48 and -0.00. The correlations with BMI and waist girth at 26 years were -0.39 and -0.35. Children with an earlier adiposity rebound were heavier and had above average BMIs. Early rebound is the result of higher rates of weight gain, measured in percentage terms, rather than slower than average accrual of stature. This suggests that restraining weight gain could delay adiposity rebound and prevent obesity in early adulthood.

Empenamento, níveis hormonais de triiodotironina e tiroxina e temperatura corporal de frangos de corte de diferentes genótipos criados em diferentes condições de temperatura

Estudou-se o empenamento, os níveis hormonais de Triiodotironina (T3) e Tiroxina (T4) e a temperatura corporal de frangos criados em diferentes temperaturas. Foram alojados 180 pintainhos Cobb 500 e 180 pintainhos ISA Label JA57, em temperaturas termoneutra, quente ou fria. O delineamento utilizado foi inteiramente ao acaso, em modelo fatorial 2 x 3 (2 linhagens e 3 temperaturas) com 8 repetições. Houve um aumento das concentrações de T3, nas aves criadas no frio, e uma redução no calor. Também no calor, os frangos ISA Label apresentaram níveis mais altos de T4. As aves Cobb apresentaram uma redução de T4 no calor ou no frio aos 42 dias e no calor aos 21 dias de idade. Houve menor empenamento aos 42 dias, quando os frangos foram criados em alta temperatura e um menor empenamento das aves ISA Label, quando comparadas aos frangos Cobb. As aves criadas no calor apresentaram maior temperatura corporal. Os frangos Cobb apresentaram um aumento na sua temperatura interna, quando criados em ambiente quente. Já os frangos da linhagem ISA Label mantiveram sua temperatura interna, independentemente da temperatura ambiente. É possível concluir que a temperatura ambiente afeta o empenamento dos frangos de corte de linhagens de rápido ganho de peso, que também apresentaram menor tolerância ao calor, demonstrada através de uma maior temperatura corporal e temperatura interna.