Research Article: Association between being Overweight in Young Childhood and during School Age and Puberty
Abstract:
To examine whether body type at birth, body weight, and obesity in early childhood are associated with overweight/obesity during school age and puberty. Data from maternal and child health handbooks, baby health checkup information, and school physical examination information of participants at birth and three-generation cohort studies were linked. Association between body type and body weight at different time intervals (at birth and at 1.5, 3.5, 6, 11, and 14 years of age) were comprehensively analyzed using a multivariate regression model adjusted for gender, maternal age at childbirth, maternal parity, and maternal body mass index, and drinking and smoking statuses at pregnancy confirmation. Children who are overweight in young childhood had a greater risk of being overweight. Particularly, overweight at one year of age during checkup was associated with overweight at 3.5 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 13.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.46–45.42), 6 years (aOR, 6.94; 95% CI, 1.64–33.46), and 11 years (aOR, 5.22; 95% CI, 1.25–24.79) of age. Therefore, being overweight in young childhood could increase the risk of being overweight and obese during school age and puberty. Early intervention in young childhood may be warranted to prevent obesity during school age and puberty.
Introduction:
Obesity is an important public health concern because it contributes significantly to the major components of metabolic syndrome, carries a high risk of health complications, and is associated with social and economic consequences [1]. The World Health Organization has reported that the worldwide prevalence of overweight and obesity in childhood and puberty (aged 5–19 years old) has risen dramatically from 4% in 1975 to over 18% in 2016, and this increase has occurred in both genders [2]. In adulthood, obesity is…
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