Mean body weight, height, waist circumference, and body mass index among children and adolescents : United States, 1999–2018

This report presents trends in mean weight, recumbent length, height, waist circumference, and body mass index among children and adolescents in the United States from 1999 through 2018.

Maternal nutritional status during pregnancy as a predictor of Ponderal index and body proportionality at birth, in term neonates

Background: It is well established that maternal body mass index (BMI) and haemoglobin (Hb) level has an impact on foetal growth. Various studies have concluded that intrauterine growth as reflected by the Ponderal index (PI) is strongly influenced by various maternal factors. Therefore, we undertake this study to address the evidence gap to establish the strength of association between maternal nutritional status as indicated by her pre-pregnancy BMI and haemoglobin levels and neonatal PI.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional, observational study was conducted that included 236 normal newborns and their mothers. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect relevant socio-demographic data and obstetric history. Details regarding the maternal pre-pregnancy weight were collected from antenatal records, maternal height was measured and BMI was calculated. Neonatal birth weight and recumbent length was measured. PI was calculated and co-related with the maternal BMI and haemoglobin values.Results: 11.9% of the mothers were underweight and 51.3% had normal BMI. Majority of the mothers (62.7%) had normal Hb levels and 0.4% were found to have severe anemia (Hb <7 mg/dl). We saw a significant positive correlation (p<0.05) between BMI and birth weight, BMI and PI that is, with decrease in BMI there was a significant decrease in the birth weight and PI of the newborn. There was no significant correlation between haemoglobin level and PI.Conclusions: Our study showed a positive association between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and birth weight, BMI and PI. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving the nutritional status of the mother have a direct impact on the foetal growth outcomes.

Nutrition status of children in Nepal: Analysis from the findings of Nepal Demographic Health Survey 2016

Introduction: Nutrition is simply the process of intake of food which is required according to the body need. A well balanced food with regular physical activity is a foundation for a good health. Some effects in health such as reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to disease, poor physical and mental development and reduction in productive capacity can be seen as a result of poor nutrition. The indicators of nutrition are stunting, wasting, underweight and overweight among the children. Methods: The 2016 Nepal Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) measured the height and weight of eligible children under age 5 in sample households. Weight measurements were taken from lightweight SECA infant scales with a digital display (model no. SECA 878U), designed and supplied by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Height was measured with a measuring board (Shorr Boards®). Recumbent length was measured for children younger than age 24 months, and standing height was measured for older children. Results: Overall, 36% of children under age 5 were stunted, with 12% being severely stunted (too short for their age); 10% were wasted, with 2% severely wasted (too thin for their height); and 27% were underweight, with 5% severely underweight (too thin for their age), while around 1% of the children were overweight (heavy for their height). Conclusion: The different indicators of nutritional status among children such as stunting, wasting and underweight are decreasing. The national program and effective contribution from several non-governmental agencies is the main reason for the improvement in nutritious status.

Longitudinal growth of infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

ObjectiveTo prospectively evaluate growth parameters assessed by weight and length in infected and uninfected infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers and followed from birth to 18 months.MethodsA cohort consisting of ninety-seven uninfected and forty-two infected infants born to HIV-infected mothers enrolled from 1995 to 2004, and admitted during their first 3 months of life at a referral Pediatric AIDS Clinic in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Infants were followed until 18 months of age. Data were analysed using mixed-effects linear regression models for weight and length fitted by restricted maximum likelihood.ResultsInfected infants contributed to 466 weight and 411 recumbent length measurements. Uninfected infants provided 924 weight and 907 length measurements. Mean birth weight and length were similar in both groups, 3·1 (sd 0·4) and 3·0 (sd 0·5) kg, and 48·7 (sd 1·4) and 48·8 (sd 2·9) cm for uninfected and infected infants, respectively. However, HIV-1 infection had an early impact in growth impairment: at 6 months of age, HIV-infected children were 1 kg lighter and 2 cm shorter than the uninfected.ConclusionsGrowth faltering in weight, but not length, in HIV-infected children in Brazil is more marked than that reported in a European cohort, probably reflecting background nutritional deficiencies and concomitant infections. In these settings, early and aggressive nutritional management in HIV-1-infected infants should be a priority intervention associated with the antiretroviral therapy.