Timing of excess weight gain in the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children (ALSPAC)

Hughes, A.R., Sherriff, A. , Lawlor, D.A., Ness, A.R. and Reilly, J.J. (2011) Timing of excess weight gain in the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children (ALSPAC). Pediatrics, 127(3), e730-e736. (doi: 10.1542/peds.2010-0959)

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Abstract

<p>OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that most excess weight gain occurs by school entry in a large sample of English children, and to determine when the greatest gain in excess weight occurred between birth and 15 years.</p> <p>METHODS: Longitudinal data were collected annually from birth to 15 years in 625 children. Weight and BMI at each time point were expressed relative to UK 1990 growth reference as z scores. Excess weight gain was calculated as the group increase in weight and BMI z scores between specific time periods.</p> <p>RESULTS: Weight z score did not increase from birth to 5 years (mean difference: 0.04 [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.03-0.12] P = .30) but increased from 5 to 9 years (mean difference: 0.19 [95% CI: 0.14-0.23] P < .001). BMI z score increased from 7 to 9 years (mean difference: 0.22 [95% CI: 0.18-0.26] P < .001), with no evidence of a large increase before 7 years and after 9 years.</p> <p>CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not support the hypothesis that most excess weight gain occurs in early childhood in contemporary English children. Excess weight gain was substantial in mid-childhood, with more gradual increases in early childhood and adolescence, which indicates that interventions to prevent excess weight should focus on school-aged children and adolescents as well as the preschool years.</p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Sherriff, Professor Andrea and Reilly, Prof John
Authors: Hughes, A.R., Sherriff, A., Lawlor, D.A., Ness, A.R., and Reilly, J.J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
Journal Name:Pediatrics
ISSN:0031-4005
ISSN (Online):1098-4275
Published Online:21 February 2011

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