The relationship between components of infant energy expenditure and childhood body fatness.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether any component of infant energy expenditure is related to fatness in early childhood, and whether infant fatness is related to childhood variables.


METHODS
Longitudinal investigation of infants studied at 12 weeks and followed up at 2.5 to 3.5 years of age.


METHODS
30 healthy full-term infants selected from the general population.


METHODS
Sleeping metabolic rate, total energy expenditure, anthropometry and behaviour at 12 weeks; anthropometry, body composition and behaviour in follow-up.


RESULTS
Energy expenditure at 12 weeks (minimal metabolism, total energy expenditure, energy expended on physical activity, behaviour) showed no relationship with later fatness. Infant fatness (skinfold thicknesses and percentage fat) showed in contrast a strong relationship with childhood fatness. Infant fatness also predicted childhood behaviour.


CONCLUSIONS
These data do not support the theory that reduced energy expenditure in early infancy is related to later fatness. However, infant fatness influences both later fatness and activity patterns.
Wells
J C
JC
Infant and Child Nutrition Group, Dunn Nutrition Unit, Cambridge, Australia.
Stanley
M
M
Laidlaw
A S
AS
Day
J M
JM
Davies
P S
PS
D000273:Adipose Tissue; D000886:Anthropometry; D001519:Behavior; D001823:Body Composition; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012885:Skinfold Thickness; D012890:Sleep