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.