Estimation for the Time of Adiposity Rebound in Korean Children and the Effects of Breast Feeding on BMI before Adiposity Rebound

Ju, Hyeon Ok; Park, Chang Gi

Abstract

BACKGROUND
An early age of adiposity rebound is known to be a risk factor for later obesity. The purpose of this study was to estimate the adiposity rebound point in Korean children, to study the effects of breast feeding on body mass index (BMI) before adiposity rebound, and to provide suggestions for developing an early intervention program for obesity prevention.
METHODS
The data were obtained partially from the 2005 Korean National Children and Adolescents Growth Survey done by Korean Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Quantile regression method was used to estimate the time of adiposity rebound and the effect of breast feeding on BMI.
RESULTS
The time of adiposity rebound was noted at 52 months after birth (4.3 years) in males, whereas in females it was at 56 months (4.7 years). The effect of breast-feeding on body mass index before adiposity rebound differed according to BMI percentile. BMI was not significantly decreased in the 50 percentile group but was significantily decreased by 0.19 in the 95 percentile group of boys. 0.07 unit of BMI was decreased in the 50 percentile group and 0.23 was decreased in 95 percentile group of girls. The effect of breast feeding on BMI was more conspicuous in the 95 percentile group than in the 50 percentile group.
CONCLUSION
The time of adiposity rebound in Korean children was estimated to be approximately at four years of age. According to the results of this study, it is highly recommendable to suggest an early intervention, before the age of four, to prevent obesity. Breast feeding should be especially encouraged for children known to be at risk of becoming overweight or obese.