Serum leptin concentration poorly reflects growth and energy and nutrient intake in young children.

Objective: We studied whether the serum leptin concentration at age 2 years predicts changes in relative body weight by age 8 and whether the serum leptin concentration is associated with intake of energy and nutrients at age 5.

Methods: A total of 156 8-year-old participants of the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project were chosen to represent children whose relative weight decreased, was stable, or increased during the preceding 6 years. Their serum leptin concentrations were measured in samples collected when they were 2 years.