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BMC Pediatrics

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Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research article

Determinants of rapid weight gain during infancy: baseline results from the NOURISH randomised controlled trial

Authors: Seema Mihrshahi, Diana Battistutta, Anthea Magarey, Lynne A Daniels

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

Background

Rapid weight gain in infancy is an important predictor of obesity in later childhood. Our aim was to determine which modifiable variables are associated with rapid weight gain in early life.

Methods

Subjects were healthy infants enrolled in NOURISH, a randomised, controlled trial evaluating an intervention to promote positive early feeding practices. This analysis used the birth and baseline data for NOURISH. Birthweight was collected from hospital records and infants were also weighed at baseline assessment when they were aged 4-7 months and before randomisation. Infant feeding practices and demographic variables were collected from the mother using a self administered questionnaire. Rapid weight gain was defined as an increase in weight-for-age Z-score (using WHO standards) above 0.67 SD from birth to baseline assessment, which is interpreted clinically as crossing centile lines on a growth chart. Variables associated with rapid weight gain were evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

Complete data were available for 612 infants (88% of the total sample recruited) with a mean (SD) age of 4.3 (1.0) months at baseline assessment. After adjusting for mother's age, smoking in pregnancy, BMI, and education and infant birthweight, age, gender and introduction of solid foods, the only two modifiable factors associated with rapid weight gain to attain statistical significance were formula feeding [OR = 1.72 (95%CI 1.01-2.94), P = 0.047] and feeding on schedule [OR = 2.29 (95%CI 1.14-4.61), P = 0.020]. Male gender and lower birthweight were non-modifiable factors associated with rapid weight gain.

Conclusions

This analysis supports the contention that there is an association between formula feeding, feeding to schedule and weight gain in the first months of life. Mechanisms may include the actual content of formula milk (e.g. higher protein intake) or differences in feeding styles, such as feeding to schedule, which increase the risk of overfeeding.

Trial Registration

Australian Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12608000056392

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2431/11/99/prepub

Title: Determinants of rapid weight gain during infancy: baseline results from the NOURISH randomised controlled trial
Authors: Seema Mihrshahi
Diana Battistutta
Anthea Magarey
Lynne A Daniels
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2431-11-99

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Determinants of rapid weight gain during infancy: baseline results from the NOURISH randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial Registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial Registration

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