Early nutrition and later adiposity.
The objective was to review whether nutrition during pregnancy and the first 3 y of life predisposes individuals to be fatter as adults. The roles of undernutrition, overnutrition and breastfeeding were considered. The evidence that poor nutrition in early life is a risk factor for increased fatness later in life is inconclusive. Overnutrition, as proxied by high birthweight or gestational diabetes, on the other hand, is associated with subsequent fatness. Two large, well-conducted studies in developed countries suggest that breastfeeding has a protective effect. Nutrition in early life has a demonstrable but small impact on adult obesity.
The Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, Department of International Health, 1518 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. rmart77@aph.emory.edu
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R
Martorell
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Stein
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DG
Schroeder
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000502:physiology; D001724:Birth Weight; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001942:Breast Feeding; D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007228:Infant Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors