Children who experience undernutrition may benefit from weight gain during their first decade of life, leading to taller adults without an increased risk of obesity or high blood pressure later on. A recent study conducted by the University of Michigan, published in JAMA Network Open, sheds light on the long-term health implications of childhood nutrition interventions.
Lead author Beverly Strassmann, a professor of anthropology at U-M, emphasized the importance of childhood weight gain for achieving optimal adult height. Previous research had raised concerns that weight gain in childhood could contribute to obesity and hypertension in adulthood. However, the current study challenges this notion by highlighting the positive impact of weight gain on adult stature.
The research followed 1,348 participants in central Mali over a span of 21 years, tracking their growth from early childhood to adulthood. The findings revealed a significant association between weight gain in childhood and increased adult stature, with minimal risks of obesity and high blood pressure.
Strassmann emphasized the unique longitudinal design of the study, which allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the participants’ growth trajectory. The results underscore the importance of ongoing nutritional interventions beyond the first 1,000 days of life, especially in undernourished settings where children may not receive adequate support early on.
The study challenges the conventional wisdom that childhood nutritional interventions should cease after age 2. Instead, it advocates for continued efforts to address undernutrition throughout childhood to support optimal growth and development. Taller stature in adulthood has numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of complications during childbirth.
Policy implications stemming from this research suggest that undernourished settings should prioritize sustained nutritional support for children beyond infancy. By promoting healthy weight gain and growth throughout childhood, communities can help children reach their full height potential without compromising their long-term health.
For more information, the full study can be accessed in JAMA Network Open under the title “Risks and Benefits of Weight Gain in Children With Undernutrition.” The University of Michigan played a key role in conducting and disseminating this important research, highlighting the significance of childhood nutrition interventions in shaping long-term health outcomes.
