Health and Fitness

Early childhood adversity and body mass index in childhood and adolescence: linking registry data on adversities with school health records of 53,401 children from Copenhagen

L. K. Elsenburg, A. Rieckmann, et al.

This study explores the intriguing link between early childhood adversity and BMI in Danish children, revealing notable gender differences. Conducted by Leonie K. Elsenburg and colleagues, the research uncovers how experiences like material deprivation and loss can subtly influence weight outcomes during critical developmental periods.

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Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between early childhood adversity (0-5 years) and body mass index (BMI) in childhood (6-7 years) and adolescence (12-15 years) using data from 53,401 Danish children. Five groups of early childhood adversity were identified through group-based trajectory modeling. Boys and girls exposed to moderate or high material deprivation and loss/threat of loss showed slightly higher BMI z-scores, particularly in adolescence. The strongest association was observed in girls experiencing loss/threat of loss. While associations were found, effect sizes were generally small, suggesting that weight changes in childhood may not be a major mechanism linking early adversity to later morbidity.

Publisher

International Journal of Obesity

Published On

Aug 25, 2023

Authors

Leonie K. Elsenburg, Andreas Rieckmann, Jessica Bengtsson, Theis Lange, Jennifer L. Baker, Thorkild I. A. Sørensen, Naja Hulvej Rod

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