Babies
Growing Up Versus Growing Out New Science Illustrates Importance of Monitoring Infants’ Growth
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Sep 1, 2005, 00:44

(ARA) - For parents, there is nothing more exciting than welcoming a new baby into the world and watching your little one grow as the weeks and months progress. From the very first breath to their first steps, new parents count every new inch of growth or ounce of weight as a sign that their little ones are growing into healthy toddlers. However, with more than 15 percent of all children in the U.S. overweight, parents may be asking themselves how much growth is too much in their children’s early years?
New science presented during the annual meeting of The Endocrine Society showed that a rapid increase in a child’s rate of growth during his or her first six months of life is associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) at age two. BMI is a standard measure of weight in proportion to length/height and an indicator of obesity. The results of this study suggest that a child’s growth rate may be an indicator for their future weight.

Because excessive weight gain in childhood is linked with an increased risk for developing conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, it is important for parents to know they are not alone if they are concerned about their child’s weight.

“These findings show that rapid increases in a child's growth from birth through the first six months of infancy may result in a higher BMI when he or she is a toddler,” says Dr. Andrea Dunaif, President of The Endocrine Society and Chief of Endocrinology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. “Parents can discuss with their pediatrician whether an infant's growth pattern is appropriate or a cause for concern.”

In addition, the study showed that the infants who were considered smallest in size at birth had the highest increase in BMI at age two. This suggests that even for parents with children who are small at birth, monitoring growth and tracking any rapid increases with a doctor is useful. Parents who are concerned about their children’s growth rate or weight should ask the following questions of their doctors:

Talking to Your Doctor

* Is my child’s weight, length/height and growth rate appropriate based on standard growth measurement percentiles?

* Based on family history, is my child at risk for any conditions associated with excessive weight gain?

* When should I follow up with you to assess my child’s growth again?

“Parents often come into my office asking whether or not their child’s weight is ‘normal.’ This study seems to show that in addition to a comparing a child’s weight to that of their peers, we need to be assessing whether the rate of growth is appropriate,” says Dr. Henry Anhalt, a pediatric endocrinologist with The Endocrine Society’s Obesity Advisory Board and Saint Barnabas Medical Center. “If you notice that your infant is gaining weight rapidly, consult your pediatrician. They can assess the situation, and if necessary, recommend a specialist who can provide guidance.”

Working together with a pediatrician, parents can monitor their children’s growth through these early stages to ensure that each new milestone is a healthy one.

To learn how The Endocrine Society is combating obesity and its related conditions visit www.ObesityInAmerica.org.
Courtesy of ARA Content

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