Delivery by caesarean section and risk of obesity in preschool age children: a prospective cohort study. Issue 7 (23rd May 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huh, Susanna Y; Rifas-Shiman, Sheryl L; Zera, Chloe A; Edwards, Janet W Rich; Oken, Emily; Weiss, Scott T; Gillman, Matthew W
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 97:Issue 7(2012)
• Page Start: 610
• Page End: 616
• Publication Date: 2012-05-23
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2011-301141
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To examine whether delivery by caesarean section is a risk factor for childhood obesity. Design: Prospective prebirth cohort study (Project Viva). Setting: Eight outpatient multi-specialty practices based in the Boston, Massachusetts area. Participants: We recruited women during early pregnancy between 1999 and 2002, and followed their children after birth. We included 1255 children with body composition measured at 3 years of age. Main outcome measures: BMI score, obesity (BMI for age and sex ≥95th percentile), and sum of triceps plus subscapular skinfold thicknesses at 3 years of age. Results: 284 children (22.6%) were delivered by caesarean section. At age 3, 15.7% of children delivered by caesarean section were obese compared with 7.5% of children born vaginally. In multivariable logistic and linear regression models adjusting for maternal prepregnancy BMI, birth weight, and other covariates, birth by caesarean section was associated with a higher odds of obesity at age 3 (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.36 to 3.23), higher mean BMI z-score (0.20 units, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.33), and higher sum of triceps plus subscapular skinfold thicknesses (0.94 mm, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.51). Conclusions: Infants delivered by caesarean section may be at increased risk of childhood obesity. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to explore mechanisms underlying this association.