Birth weight predicts weight status of Australian children

A study  presented at the recent joint Australian and New Zealand Nutrition Society Meeting in New Zealand has shown that birth weight is a significant predictor of the current weight of Australian children and adolescents. The increasing birth weight of Australian babies may therefore be predictive of future overweight and obesity.

The study derived its data from the 2007 Australian National Childrens Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey.  Children over 9 years of age who had a birth weight between 1.5- 5.5kg were included, a final total of 732 children. Variables such as age, sex, current energy intake, glycaemic index, physical activity, breast feeding were controlled for in the statistical analysis.

The study found birth weight was a significan predictor of  Body Mass Index ( BMI) and  current weight. Each 100g increase in birth weight corresponded to an increase BMI and weight, with the association being  strongest amongst adolescents.

The study highlights the need for obesity prevention to begin before giving birth. Women should be within their ideal weight before falling pregnant and gain weight during pregnancy  according to recommended guidelines. Birth weight is often the result of mums being overweight before and during pregnancy which contributes to a higher incidence of gestational diabetes.

Reference:

Louie JCY, Petocz P, Brand-Miller JC. The association between birth weight and current weight status in Australian chidren and adolescents. Proceedings of Nutrition Society of Australia 2011;35:29