Who Grows Most in Ireland? An Analysis of Weight Status Changes in Early Childhood

Introduction: Ireland is expected to reach the highest European prevalence of overweight (Ow) and obesity by 2030 [1] and 1 in 4 children are already Ow or obese [2]. However, few studies have addressed early life risk factors and interventions [3]. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in weight status and identify factors associated with weight transitions in young children in Ireland. Methods: Data on 11,134 children were collected in the nationally rep-resentative Growing Up in Ireland (Gui) cohort study. Height and weight were measured at 9 months, 3 years and 5 years of age. Multinomial lo-gistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with weight status, and of temporal change between normal weight (Nw) and Ow. Results: In this cohort, 40% of all children maintained a Nw from 9 months to 5 years and 15.9% were persistently Ow or obese (World Health Organization child growth standard). Over time, prevalence rates of Ow, including obesity, changed from 39% in infants to 43% at 3 years and 30% at 5 years. Compared to children with Nw at all ages, children with high birthweight or early rapid weight gain had a signifcantly higher risk of Ow at any age and the risk of persistent Ow was highest. Additionally, non-Irish white background protected from infant Ow, and having an Asian or Ow mother increased the risk of Ow afer 9 months. Furthermore, the risk of becoming Ow afer 9 months and remaining Ow was higher for girls, children watching more Tv, children living in rural re-gions and children with Ow fathers, Ow mothers or mothers who smoked during pregnancy. Returning to Nw afer 3 years was associated with late introduction to solid food. Conclusion: In this cohort of young children in Ireland, risk factors of obesity are related to diferent growth patterns. Policy-makers should identify channels through which prevention programmes can reach high-risk families before susceptible children reach a critical age. Moreover, effective interventions targeting parental weight and maternal smoking may be needed