Childhood Obesity Linked to Rapid Weight Gain In Infants

< Apr. 01, 2009 > -- According to a recent Harvard report, rapid weight gain in newborns during the first six months of life may also raise their risk for obesity as toddlers.

In response, study author Dr. Elsie M. Taveras says, "We need to start our preventive methods when children are much younger. Even in the first couple of weeks of life, we can start guiding parents about how to prevent rapid weight gain in their infants."

Past Studies Establish a Link

While past research has established a link between birth weight and obesity, the impact of factors such as length of gestation, height, and lifestyle of the mother were often not considered.

The researchers tracked 559 children who were part of Project Viva, an ongoing study of pregnant women and their children. The babies were measured for weight and height at birth, at 6 months, and again at the age of 3.

After adjusting for factors such as the babies' length, researchers found that those who increased their body-mass index (BMI) during their first six months were more likely to be classified as obese at age 3.

"At present, most guidelines around obesity management recommend that we start assessment and treatment of children after the age of 2," Dr. Taveras notes.  

Obesity Epidemic Continues 

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), nearly a third of adults in the United States are obese. Obese people are 10 to 50 percent more likely to die of all causes. In 2000, the obesity epidemic cost the US health system $117 billion.

"The key indication for this study is the importance of better education about feeding infants," says Connie Diekman, director of university nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis. "Since the study did not look at what children were fed after weaning, it is hard to know if overfeeding then is a contributor."

More Education Makes a Difference

Making minor changes may be a simple way to address the issue. For example, in Germany, water fountains were installed in 32 schools located in poor areas of two German cities.

Teachers then presented four lesson plans to second- and third-grade students about the benefits of water consumption.

The study found that the students who attended these schools were 31 percent less likely to become overweight than those who attended other schools not involved in the study. Both studies were published in the journal Pediatrics.

A Closer Look at Contributing Factors

"The researchers themselves identified that we need to study caregiver and infant relationships, since other studies have shown when there is a lack of a bonding during feeding, infants will change what they eat," says Diekman.

"In addition, other potential confounders need to be removed, and then the study repeated, to see if weight gain during pregnancy is a factor."

"Our study raises a lot of questions about the reason rapid infant weight gain results in obesity later on," Dr. Taveras adds.  "We need more research to identify the factors that explain this relationship."

Always consult your child's physician for more information.

Healthy Eating During Adolescence

Eating healthy is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and is something that should be taught at a young age.

It is important to discuss your adolescent's diet with his/her physician prior to making any dietary changes or placing your adolescent on a diet.

Discuss the following healthy eating recommendations with your adolescent to ensure he/she is following a healthy eating plan:

• Eat three meals a day, with healthy snacks.

• Increase fiber in the diet and decrease the use of salt.

• Drink water. Try to avoid drinks and juices that are high in sugar.

• For growing children and adolescents, it is generally recommended to watch total fat consumption in the diet, rather than counting calories.

• Eat balanced meals.

• When cooking for your adolescent, try to bake or broil instead of fry.

• Make sure your adolescent watches (and decreases, if necessary) his/her sugar intake.

• Eat fruit or vegetables for a snack.

• For children over 5, use low-fat dairy products.

• Decrease the use of butter and heavy gravies.

• Eat more chicken and fish.

The basis of treatment for obesity in children and adolescents involves diet changes and exercise. It is important for parents and the adolescent to be ready and willing to make the change.

Generally, weight loss is not recommended for babies and young children who are still growing and developing.

The goal of treatment for these children is to maintain their weight while they continue to grow taller. Weight reduction may be recommended for obese adolescents who have completed their growth.

As a parent, you can help with the management of obesity by doing the following:

• Do not use food as a reward. Use other activities as a reward for good behavior.

• Have family meal time and snack times.

• Provide only healthy options for your adolescent to choose from. For example, stock in the refrigerator apples or yogurt, rather than cookies and pies.

• Have the entire family become involved on a healthy eating plan, not just the adolescent who is overweight.

• Encourage activities that promote exercise, such as riding a bike, walking, or skating.

Always consult your child's physician for more information.