Birth weight, cardiometabolic risk factors and effect modification of physical activity in children and adolescents: pooled data from 12 international studies

This study investigated whether moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) modifies the association between birth weight and cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents. Pooled data from 12 international studies (9100 participants) were analyzed using multilevel linear regression. Results showed that MVPA did not consistently modify the association between low birth weight and cardiometabolic risk, except for a potential mitigating effect on the association between higher birth weight and waist circumference in children and HDL cholesterol in adolescents. Sensitivity analyses suggested some modification by vigorous PA (VPA). MVPA was consistently associated with lower cardiometabolic risk across the birth weight spectrum. Optimal prenatal growth and sufficient physical activity are crucial for cardiometabolic health.

Guro Pauck Bernhardsen, Trine Stensrud, Bjørge Herman Hansen, Jostein Steene-Johannesen, Elin Kolle, Wenche Nystad, Sigmund Alfred Anderssen, Pedro C. Hallal, Kathleen F. Janz, Susi Kriemler, Lars Bo Andersen, Kate Northstone, Geir Kåre Resaland, Luis B. Sardinha, Esther M. F. van Sluijs, Mathias Ried-Larsen, Ulf Ekelund