Longitudinal observations on growth patterns of obese infants: Developing country perspectives. Preliminary study

Background
Infantile obesity is considered a risk factor for childhood obesity in the developed countries. There is lack of data on infantile obesity from developing countries.

Methods
Anthropometric records (mean weight, length/height and BMI z-scores) of 8 infants attending the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic for parental concern of obesity between 2004 and 2010 were compared with matched controls. All children were followed up at 6 monthly intervals till completion of 5 years of age.

Results
The mean weight and BMI z-scores were significantly higher in the obese group as compared to control group at all age points. The mean BMI z-scores fell below +2 z-scores after 11/2 yr of age in the obese group but remained significantly higher till 5 years of age.

Conclusions
The growth patterns of obese infants suggest a trend of higher BMIs persisting into childhood. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings.