Growth and health

An infants’ health is often measured by his growth rate. An exclusively, unrestricted breastfed child will indeed reach a dazzling growth in his first weeks and will have his birth weight doubled by 3-4 months (WHO Universal growth Standards). Studies about the relation between growth in th arly months and weight and health in adolescence point out that rapid growth in the first 3 months is indeed a factor for obesitas later. The release of appetite increasing hormones especially seems to be stimulated, according to Larnkjær et al. Leunissen et al found an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However in their subjects being born small for gestational age seemed to be overrepresented and their outcomes may be due to catch up-growth.

Leunissen RWJ, Gerthe F. Kerkhof GF, Stijnen T, Hokken-Koelega A: Timing and Tempo of First-Year Rapid Growth in Relation to Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risk Profile in Early Adulthood. JAMA. 2009;301(21):2234-2242.

Larnkjær A, Schack-Nielsen L, Mølgaard C, Ingstrup HK, Holst JJ, Michaelsen KF: Effect of growth in infancy on body composition, insulin resistance, and concentration of appetite hormones in adolescence. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2010, 91(6):1675-1683.