What exposures in early life are risk factors for childhood obesity?

Seema Mihrshahi; Louise A Baur

doi:10.1111/jpc.14195

What exposures in early life are risk factors for childhood obesity?

J Paediatr Child Health. 2018 Dec;54(12):1294-1298. doi: 10.1111/jpc.14195. Epub 2018 Aug 31.

Authors

Seema Mihrshahi¹, Louise A Baur^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
² Sydney Medical School and Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

PMID: 30168229
DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14195

Abstract

Globally, estimates show that 41 million children younger than 5 years of age are affected by overweight and obesity. In many regions of the world, these prevalence rates have increased dramatically, especially in low- and middle-income countries, making childhood obesity a global policy issue. Recent data show that many children are already affected by overweight or obesity by the time they start school; hence, the examination of early exposures, with interventions around these exposures, is warranted. In this review, we outline the main modifiable exposures in early life that can lead to an increased risk of obesity. These exposures can be broadly categorised into parental factors such as obesity and gestational diabetes; dietary exposures in early life, including breastfeeding and complementary feeding and feeding behaviours; physical activity, sedentary behaviours and sleep; and environmental exposures such as maternal exposure to tobacco. We also identify research gaps and opportunities for further research.

Keywords: child; infant; obesity; overweight; risk factors.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Child, Preschool
Diet
Environmental Exposure
Humans
Parent-Child Relations
Pediatric Obesity / etiology*
Risk Factors