Height Trajectory During Early Childhood Is Inversely Associated with Fat Mass in Later Childhood in Mexican Boys.

backgroundChildhood obesity continues to be a global health problem. Previous research suggests that linear growth retardation or stunting during early childhood increases the risk of obesity, but others have reported that rapid linear growth poses a greater concern than early nutritional status.

objectiveThe objective of this study was to determine if growth trajectories are associated with body composition at age 8-10 y.

methodsStudy participants consisted of 255 girls and 281 boys who participated in a follow-up of the Prenatal Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation and Child Growth and Development (POSGRAD) Study. Sex-specific latent height class (LHC) trajectories were derived from 11 measures of height from birth to 5 y of age and used to calculate 3 distinct growth classes for boys (low, intermediate, and high) and 2 distinct classes for girls (low and high). Body composition at age 8-10 y was estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between growth trajectory classes and fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) in late childhood, controlling for confounding factors.

resultsIn girls, there were no significant associations between LHC and FM or FFM. In boys, relative to the intermediate LHC, the low LHC had higher FM (β = 0.69 kg; 95% CI: 0.26-1.11 kg) and the high LHC had lower FM (β = -0.40 kg; 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.05 kg). Boys in the low LHC had significantly less FFM (β = -0.69 kg; 95% CI: -1.11 to -0.26 kg), and boys in the high LHC had more FFM (β = 0.40 kg; 95% CI: 0.05-0.76 kg) compared with the intermediate LHC.

conclusionGain in height among boys, but not girls, in early childhood was associated with lower adiposity in late childhood compared with children with a slower rate of growth. Clinical trial registration number: NCT00646360.