Abstract
Longitudinal observations on growth patterns of obese infants: Developing country perspectives. Preliminary study
Background
Infantile obesity is considered a risk factor for childhood obesity in the developed countries. There is lack of data on infantile obesity from developing countries.
Methods
Anthropometric records (mean weight, length/height and BMI z-scores) of 8 infants attending the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic for parental concern of obesity between 2004 and 2010 were compared with matched controls. All children were followed up at 6 monthly intervals till completion of 5 years of age.
Results
The mean weight and BMI z-scores were significantly higher in the obese group as compared to control group at all age points. The mean BMI z-scores fell below +2 z-scores after 11/2 yr of age in the obese group but remained significantly higher till 5 years of age.
Conclusions
The growth patterns of obese infants suggest a trend of higher BMIs persisting into childhood. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings.
Keywords
Infantile obesity, Childhood obesity, Longitudinal anthropometric data, BMI
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