Posted on March 30, 2009 in Latest News
Childhood researchers have found at that babies who gain weight rapidly in the initial 6 months of life have a high risk of obesity by the age 3. Most parents believe that heavier babies are healthy. However, a new Boston study shows that rapid weight gain in infancy may place a child at risk of childhood obesity.
The Boston Study on Childhood Obesity:
Dr. Elsie Taveras belonging to Children’s Hospital Boston and her colleagues from Harvard Pilgrim Health Center studied about 500 pregnant women and their children. They measured each infant’s weight and length at 6 months of age, and measured each infant’s weight and height at 3 years of age.
After studying the results, they found out that infants who had rapid weight gain in first 6 months were 40% more likely to be overweight by age 3. Infants who did not gain rapid weight gain in the first 6 months were only 1% more likely to be overweight by age 3. This study shows that the initial weeks and months of a child’s life are critical in preventing childhood obesity.
According to the researchers, the link between weight gain in the first 6 months and childhood obesity is strong. However, they are still trying to figure out what reasons for rapid weight gain in the first 6 months of life. Weight gain during pregnancy and improper feeding choices may be the contributing factors.
Parents should get rid of the misconceptions that heavier babies are healthy. Instead they should strive to keep their babies healthy and of proper weight. This may help in controlling childhood obesity.
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