Rapid weight gain during the first year of life predicts obesity in 2-3 year olds from a low-income, minority population.

As the prevalence of childhood obesity increases, researchers continue to attempt to identify factors contributing to obesity. The purpose of this study was to define the relationship between birth weight, rapid weight gain (RWG), and early childhood obesity in a low-income, inner-city minority population. In this retrospective chart review, researchers documented every medical encounter recorded in the chart from birth to 3 years for 203 3 year old minority children from low-income families living in an urban area. Based on Center for Disease Control and Prevention's growth charts and tables, z-scores at birth, 4 months, and 1 year were calculated and RWG determined. Researchers determined Body Mass Index percentiles at 3 years of age using the last available weight and height between 24 and 38 months of age. Eight percent of children were underweight, 62% were normal weight, 12% were at overweight and 18% were obese. Children who experienced RWG during the first year of life were 9.24 (CI: 3.73-22.91) as likely to become obese as those who did not experience RWG. Neither low birth weight nor being male increased the odds of becoming obese. Low birth weight predicted underweight at 24-38 months. In this high-risk population, children experiencing RWG during the first year of life have a significantly increased risk of being obese during the preschool years. Future research should identify factors leading to RWG, including specific infant feeding practices.