Increased birthweight and linear growth during the first 2 years of life are associated with adult stature and completion of secondary school in countries with low and middle income, such as Brazil and Guatemala. Data from five prospective birth cohort studies (n = 8,362) were used to analyse the effect of birthweight, linear growth and relative weight gain on health and cognitive development in young adults. The investigators also found that higher birthweight is associated with a decreased risk of dysglycaemia in adulthood.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Adair, L. S. et al. Associations of linear growth and relative weight gain during early life with adult health and human capital in countries of low and middle income: findings from five birth cohort studies. Lancet doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60103-8
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Benefits of increased birthweight and linear growth. Nat Rev Endocrinol 9, 316 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2013.82
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2013.82