Primal Health Databank: Study
| Entry No: | 0424 |
| Title: | Birth Weight, Adult Body Composition, and Subcutaneous Fat Distribution |
| Author(s): | Saskia J. te Velde*, Jos W.R. Twisk*, Willem van Mechelen*, and Han C.G. Kemper* |
| Reference: | Obesity Research 11:202-208 (2003) |
| Place of Study: | Holland |
| Abstract: | A 9-year longitudinal study was performed in 229 subjects (192 women) with ages ranging from 27 to 36 years. Birth weight was retrieved by a questionnaire, and adult weight, height, skinfold thicknesses, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were repeatedly measured at mean ages 27, 29, 31, and 36 years. BMI, sum of four skinfolds (S4S), the ratio between two truncal skinfolds and S4S (SS/S4S), and the ratio between WHR and the cross-sectional area of the left thigh were calculated with the available data.
The adjusted model showed that in women, birth weight was significantly negatively related to adult S4S [ß = -5.211; (-9.768 to -0.654)], waist circumference [ß = -1.449; (-2.829 to -0.069)], and SS/S4S ratio [ß = -3.579; (-5.296 to -1.862)]. In men, a significant negative association was observed between birth weight and adult WHR [ß = -1.096; (-2.092 to -0.100)] only. Other relationships showed, although not significantly, the same negative trend, namely that lower birth weight is related to higher adult body fat mass (S4S) and a more truncal subcutaneous fat distribution (SS/S4S). No associations were found between birth weight and either adult BMI or the cross-sectional area of the thigh.
According to this study lower birth weight is, in both adult men and women, related to a higher adult subcutaneous fat mass and a more truncal distribution of subcutaneous fat, indicating a higher risk for obesity.
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| Keyword(s): | birthweight, obesity |
| Discussion: | No discussion mentioned for this entry |
| See Also: | No related entries mentioned for this entry |
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