Tsz Chun Lai1, Shiu Lun Au Yeung, Shi Lin Lin, Gabriel Matthew Leung, C Mary Schooling. 1. From the aSchool of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China; and bCity University of New York, School of Public Health and Hunter College, New York, NY.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Earlier age of menarche predicts chronic diseases. Earlier maternal age of menarche is also associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and height into childhood. METHODS: We used generalized estimating equations in Hong Kong's "Children of 1997" birth cohort to examine the adjusted association of maternal age of menarche with BMI and height z score, and whether associations varied by maternal birthplace. RESULTS: Earlier maternal age of menarche was not associated with infant BMI but was associated subsequently with higher BMI in childhood and at puberty. Maternal age of menarche was negatively associated with height in children of Hong Kong-born mothers, but positively associated with infant length for children with mothers born in China (P value for interaction 0.02). CONCLUSION: These different patterns suggest drivers of adiposity and linear growth differ, and are more influential in some circumstances. Understanding these drivers may indicate setting-specific interventions to prevent childhood obesity.
BACKGROUND: Earlier age of menarche predicts chronic diseases. Earlier maternal age of menarche is also associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and height into childhood. METHODS: We used generalized estimating equations in Hong Kong's "Children of 1997" birth cohort to examine the adjusted association of maternal age of menarche with BMI and height z score, and whether associations varied by maternal birthplace. RESULTS: Earlier maternal age of menarche was not associated with infant BMI but was associated subsequently with higher BMI in childhood and at puberty. Maternal age of menarche was negatively associated with height in children of Hong Kong-born mothers, but positively associated with infant length for children with mothers born in China (P value for interaction 0.02). CONCLUSION: These different patterns suggest drivers of adiposity and linear growth differ, and are more influential in some circumstances. Understanding these drivers may indicate setting-specific interventions to prevent childhood obesity.