Literature review for - Flourish Paediatrics

18 LIFE COURSE (S1.3)
LIFE COURSE FOOD CONSUMPTION and BIRTH WEIGHT
Is birth weight associated with children adopting appropriate life course consumption and
dietary patterns?
Evidence statement
Grade
Component Rating Notes
Evidence Base Excellent 13 cohort studies (11 P, 2 0).
Increased birth weight, especially above 4000g, is associated
with increased risk of overweight or obesity in childhood,
adolescence, and later in life.
A
Consistency Good 10 of the 13 cohort studies found a significant association
between birth weight and increased incidence of overweight
or obesity later in life.
Clinical impact Good Odds ratios for increased overweight/obesity associated with
increased birth weight ranged from 1.0 to 2.3.
Generalisability Excellent Western populations, such as Australia, Germany, USA, and
UK.
Applicability Excellent Directly applicable.
As shown in the Process Manual, cohort studies are level II evidence, making this an excellent
evidence base. Ten of the 13 cohort studies found a significant association between high birth
weight and increased BMI, waist circumference, skinfold thicknesses, or incidence of overweight or
obesity either in childhood, adolescence, or later in life. Two additional cohorts reported an inverse
association only in males, not females. However, the evidence is consistent and strong enough to
guide practice.
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