[Early factors influencing body weight and prevalence of overweight in 4610 children prior to school entry in the Erlangen District (Northern Bavaria)].

OBJECTIVE: Childhood obesity is a growing health problem among German children. Birth weight is considered to have a major influence on the course of postnatal weight. The present study investigates the relation between birth weight and body weight at health examination prior to school entry. We tested other parameters influencing childhood obesity, and hypothesized that within a 5-year interval the prevalence of obesity in children has increased significantly.

METHODS: Our study is based on the retrospective analysis of the school enrolment health examinations of 4610 children in North Bavaria, e. g. the town Erlangen and administrative district Erlangen-Hoechstadt in 1995/96 and 2000/01.

RESULTS: A higher birth weight was associated with a higher weight and BMI at school entry examination (p < 0.0001). An increased birth weight is therefore a considerable risk factor for later overweight in childhood. Hypotrophic newborn, however, gain less weight and exhibit a lower BMI in our study group. In general, boys were significantly heavier than girls (p < 0.001). Children of foreign origin were heavier and had a higher BMI corrected for age than German pupils but they were also 0.07 years older. Our regional survey revealed local differences in the prevalence of obesity. Comparing the cohorts 1995/96 and 2000/01 at school entry, a significant increase of BMI in the latter was found (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: A highly significant increase in the prevalence of infantile overweight has to be faced. Early prevention of childhood obesity is therefore mandatory to avoid the complications and higher morbidity.