Monica Umapathy
Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, India
Title: How does the birth weights are related to adolescent obesity? An analytical study
Biography
Biography: Monica Umapathy
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic diseases particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus appear to originate in early life if the individual is obese. We therefore examined the association between the low birth weight and obesity among school children.
Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between adolescent BMI (body mass index) and low birth weight among school children in comparison to students born with normal birth weight.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was approved by Institutional Ethical and Research Committee. A total of 3580 students ranging from age group 13 to 17 years were involved in the study, out of which 2879 students consented to participate. The students were asked to fill a self-administered questionnaire. Parameters including blood Pressure, body mass index, and family history were recorded. The results were tabulated and analyzed.
Results: Statistically significant negative correlation was noted between BMI and birth weight, lower the birth weight, higher the adolescent BMI.
Conclusion: This study emphasize on the necessity to improve maternal nutrition during pregnancy in order to avoid low birth weight and adolescent obesity later on. We conclude that the risk of developing adolescent obesity is associated with the low birth weight. We strongly encourage on the primary care to discuss the healthy lifestyle changes and consequences of obesity in children between 13 to 17 years of age to prevent the later consequence.