The life-course association of birth-weight genes with self-rated health. (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tong, Guangyu; Guo, Guang
• Is Part Of: Biodemography and social biology. Volume 65:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 268
• Page End: 286
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Sociobiology -- Periodicals; Human biology -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Demography -- Periodicals; Human evolution -- Periodicals; 304.5
• DOI: 10.1080/19485565.2020.1765733
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1948-5565

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study examines the impact of genes associated with normal-range birth weight (2500–4500 grams) on self-rated health in mid-to-late life course. Fifty-eight previously identified genetic variants that explain the variation in the normal-range birth weight were used to construct a genetic measure of birth weight for the non-Hispanic white sample from the Health and Retirement Study. Our results show that the genetic tendency toward higher birth weight predicts better self-rated health in mid-to-late life course net of various demographic, socioeconomic, and health behavioral factors. We also examine the heterogeneous effects of birth-weight genes across birth cohorts and age groups. Moreover, to clarify the paradox that higher birth weight can predict both better self-rated health and higher BMI, we show the positive association between birth weight genes and BMI can only hold within the normal-range BMI (18 ≤ BMI < 30). Overall, these findings suggest the genetic factors underlying the normal-range birth weight can have life-courseimpacts on health.