Birth size, postnatal growth and risk of obesity

Overweight and obesity in young children and adolescents is a major health concern. It is estimated that one in five are overweight and obese. The big question is how do we prevent our children from becoming overweight and suffering its health consequences  such as diabetes, heart disease, joint problems and depression.

While our genes may play a small role in overweight and obesity, poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are more often the cause.   Studies have shown that the strongest predictors of whether a child will become an overweight adolescent are:-

• How fat he was in mid childhood
• Whether his mother is overweight or obese
• Lack of physical activity and
• Soft drink consumption

New research is looking at whether baby’s size at birth and growth after birth will predict later obesity and future adult diseases. Birth size, reflecting prenatal growth, gives an indication of how well nourished the baby was in the womb. Lower birth size has been associated with increased fatness, early puberty and increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes in later life.  Rapid growth at all ages during infancy (including weight gain during the first week or months of life) and childhood has also been associated with greater risk of later obesity.

Although birth size is linked to greater fatness, it is difficult to change and the risks are unknown. Preventing overweight and obesity is best done by having an active lifestyle and good nutrition habits.

Reference:

Garnet S. Birth size, postnatal growth and obesity. Heinz Sight 2007, Issue 77, November.