Risk factors for obesity in 7-year-old European children: the Auckland Birthweight Collaborative Study. Issue 10 (13th September 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Blair, Nikki J; Thompson, John M D; Black, Peter N; Becroft, David M O; Clark, Phillipa M; Han, Dug Yeo; Robinson, Elizabeth; Waldie, Karen E; Wild, Chris J; Mitchell, Edwin A
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 92:Issue 10(2007)
• Page Start: 866
• Page End: 871
• Publication Date: 2007-09-13
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.2007.116855
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To identify risk factors associated with obesity in primary school children, with a particular focus on those which can be modified. To identify critical periods and growth patterns in the development of childhood obesity. Methods: 871 New Zealand European children were enrolled in a longitudinal study at birth and data were collected at birth, 1, 3.5 and 7 years of age. Data collected at 7 years included weight, height, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), television viewing time and a 24 h body movement record (actigraphy). The outcome measure was percentage body fat (PBF), which was calculated at 3.5 and 7 years using BIA. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were carried out using PBF as a continuous variable. Results: Multivariable analysis found maternal overweight/obesity, maternal age, female gender, sedentary activity time and hours of television viewing to be independently associated with PBF at 7 years. Growth variables (birth weight, rapid weight gain in infancy, early (1–3.5 years) and middle childhood (3.5–7 years)) were also independently associated with adiposity at 7 years. There was a strong correlation between PBF at 3.5 years and PBF at 7 years. Conclusions: Many primary school aged children start on the trajectory of obesity in the preschool years, which suggests interventions need to start early. Maternal overweight/obesity, television watching, sedentary activity time and rapid weight gain in infancy, early and middle childhood are risk factors for childhood obesity, and are all potentially modifiable.