High birth weight as a risk factor for childhood obesity

To investigate the association between high birth weight (HBW) and childhood obesity (CO). A case-control study in 322 children of 1st and 2nd grade elementary school was carried out. Somatometric determinations were effected to document childhood obesity (cases) as established by The Norma Oficial Mexicana, and normal or low weight. The risk factor of HBW (high birth weight more than 3900 g) was assessed. Odds ratio (OR) was determined and variables between cases and controls were assessed by chi 2 and t tests. There were not clinically significative differences between cases (n = 59) and controls (n = 263) concerning sex, age, height, and weight at birth. There were differences as to present weight (35.5 +/- 8 vs 25.2 +/- 5 kg. p < 0.001), Quetelet index (22.1 +/- 4 vs 16.2 +/- 2 kg/m2, p < 0.001) and measurements of cutaneous folding between cases and controls, respectively. History of HBW was present in 20 cases (33%) and 44 controls (17%). History of HBW was associated to CO [OR: 2.55; (Confidence interval [CI] 95% 1.4-4.8); p = 0.003]. No history of HBW was protective against CO [OR: 0.79; (CI 95% 0.7-0.9); p = 0.003]. HBW is risk factor to CO.