Risk factors for predicting childhood obesity at age 5 years

Childhood overweight and obesity is a concern world wide. A UK study has identified risk factors which can help predict whether a child will be obese at age 5 years (1). Identifying such factors can assist health professionals put in place targeted preventative strategies. 

The study used data collected from the UK Millenium Cohort study. Children participated in the study from  age 9 months and were followed for 12 months. Interviews were carried out when the child was aged 3 years and 5 years. While the majority of children  were white/ European, those from Asian ( Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and other) and African ( Black Carribean, Black African and others) backgrounds were also included.

Those children most at risk of obesity at age 5 years 1) had a sedentary lifestyle 2) were large at birth 3) had mothers who were overweight 4) didn't eat breakfast 5) had parents who smoked around them 6) were from low income families with low education 7) were given solids before 3 months and 8) were from an ethnic background. The study also found  increasing family income didn't impact greatly on obesity but that bettter educational qualifications of the primary carer reduced risk. Education of the primary carer in simple lifestyle changes, can help protect against child obesity.

The full study can be accessed at www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/9/467

Reference

1. Brophy S, Cooksey R et al. Risk factors for childhood obesity at age 5:Analysis fo the Millenium Cohort Study. BMC Public Health 2009,9:467  doi:10.1186/1471-2458-9-467