Chest circumference in infancy predicts obesity in 3-year-old children.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between chest circumference in infancy and rapid growth or obesity at 3 years of age. We conducted a retrospective observational study of 1353 children in Kumamoto, Japan. Data collected included chest circumference, head circumference, weight, and body mass index.

Taller stature after postnatal rapid weight gain in early infancy predicts overweight status at age 3.

Aim: To evaluate whether postnatal rapid weight gain in early infancy is associated with subsequent tall stature and being overweight at age 3, and taller stature after postnatal rapid weight gain predicts overweight status at age 3.

Methods: Data from a retrospective cohort study (time period 2003-2004, total number = 1353 subjects in Kumamoto, Japan) were used. The rate of weight gain during the first 3-4 months was calculated as 100 g/month, and postnatal rapid and slow growth were calculated by using weight standard deviation (SD).