Einfluss von Ernährung und genetischen Faktoren auf Wachstum und BMI bis zum Alter von 5 Jahren

Given the increasing numbers of overweight children, the EuroGrowth Study is aimed at investigating predictors for an increased Body Mass Index (BMI). The multi-centre, longitudinal, observational study therefore examines the influence of early nutrition—until 4–6 months of age—on growth and weight. A total of 2,245 healthy children, born full term (1,154 boys and 1,091 girls), were included from 22 study centres in 12 European countries. Data on weight, size, and the educational standard of the parents as well as demographic and socio-economic factors and the babies birth data were included. Anthropometric measurements and interviews on nutrition were made until the fifth birthday. The most important predictor of genetically determined growth potential was the average height of the parents. Predictors of weight gain until 60 months of age were duration of breast feeding, time at which solid food was first taken, sex, educational level the mother, and the height of the parents. The BMI at 1 month was the strongest and the BMI of the parents the second strongest predictor of a BMI over the 90th percentile at an age of between 12 and 60 months. For the successful prevention of overweight in children, however, additional significant predictors need to be identified.