ESPE Abstracts

The weight of birth affects the weight status and fat distribution in the later period of life. It is suggested that both low and high birth weight pose a risk for cardiometabolic diseases. In this study, the effects of birth weight on body fat mass and body fat distribution parameters during childhood and adolescence period were evaluated.

Method: In this cross-sectional study, 4581 children ages between 6-17 years at primary and secondary schools were determined by the stratified sampling system. Anthropometric parameters such as height, weight, waist circumference, neck circumference, triceps skin fold thickness were measured by appropriate methods. BMI values were calculated, and amount of total body fat was assessed by bioelectrical impedance. Week and weight of birth information noted by the questionnaire sent to the parents. 755 children were excluded from the study due to missing data, history of premature or late-born.

Results: 46% of children were male. Birth weight was below 2500 gr in 11.6% and over 4500 gr in 4.1% of patients. The 10th, 50th and 90th percentile values of the anthropometric measurements were evaluated separately according to age and gender. Birth weight was found low in all age and gender groups. Those who are above the 90th percentile are more common than the normal weighted ones in almost all parameters and the 10th percentile values are at the lowest level compared to the other groups. Likewise, those who had more birth weight had the 10th percentile value at the top of all anthropometric measurements from the age of six. However, this group could not be evaluated because it is not suitable number for the 90th percentile. While all anthropometric measurements showed an increase with age, body fat percentage decreased in boys from pubertal ages, while it showed little increase in girls with age.

Comment: It is known that children with low or high birth weight are at higher risk for obesity and cardiovascular diseases in older ages. In this study, the effect of birth weight on anthropometric parameters showing fat deposition such as body fat percentage, body fat percentage and upper body fattening and central fattening from 6 years of age was evaluated according to age and sex and it shows the effect of birth weight at older ages.