Early-Life Influences Linked to Rapid BMI Rise and Obesity Risk in Children: Study Finds
Written By : Medha Baranwal
Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2025-06-02 15:30 GMT | Update On 2025-06-02 15:30 GMT
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USA: A large-scale U.S. study has identified two distinct childhood body mass index (BMI) growth trajectories, highlighting early-life risk factors that could contribute to obesity later in life. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open by Dr. Chang Liu and colleagues from Washington State University, draw attention to the importance of prenatal and early childhood health in curbing the rising tide of childhood obesity.
Analyzing data from 9,483 children enrolled in the NIH-funded Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, researchers tracked BMI from ages 1 to 9 and uncovered two primary growth patterns.
The key findings include the following:
- The majority of children (89.4%) exhibited a typical BMI trajectory, with a slight decline in early years followed by a gradual rise beginning around age six.
- Approximately 10.6% of children followed an atypical BMI trajectory, maintaining a stable BMI until about age 3.5, after which it rose sharply, reaching an average of 26.2 by age nine, well above the obesity threshold and exceeding the 99th percentile.
- Maternal smoking during pregnancy was significantly associated with the atypical trajectory (odds ratio [OR] 1.76).
- High birth weight increased the likelihood of following the atypical BMI pattern (OR 1.40).
- Excessive gestational weight gain was another identified risk factor (OR 1.26).
- Preterm birth was linked to a higher risk of atypical BMI development (OR 1.67).
- High maternal BMI before pregnancy showed a strong association with the atypical, obesity-prone trajectory.
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