J Korean Med Sci.  2025 Feb;40(4):e12. 10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e12.

Adiposity Rebound Timing in Small for Gestational Age Children Treated With Growth Hormone: Results From LG Growth Study Data

• Kim JH
• Kim SJ
• Chung IH
• Lim JS

• KMID: 2564230
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e12

Abstract

Background
Adiposity rebound (AR) refers to the period during growth when the body mass index reaches its lowest point before increasing again. The timing of AR is associated with the development of obesity and puberty onset. Although studies have evaluated AR timing in Korean children, none has focused on children born small for gestational age (SGA).
Methods
This study analyzed data from a multicenter observational clinical trial (LG Growth Study) to determine AR timing in children born SGA without catch-up growth (CUG) who were treated with growth hormone (GH) therapy. The study also aimed to identify factors associated with AR timing, examine the influence of AR timing on puberty onset, and assess the effectiveness of GH therapy.
Results
A total of 151 children born SGA without CUG were included. Of them, 15% experienced AR between 4 and 5 years of age, 42% between 5 and 6 years, 27% between 6 and 7 years, and 16% after 7 years of age. A significant positive correlation was noted between the height standard deviation score at the start of treatment and AR timing. However, no significant correlation was observed between AR timing and puberty onset or the effectiveness of GH therapy.
Conclusion
This study provides insights into AR timing in prepubertal children who meet the specific SGA criteria and its relationship with growth outcomes. The findings suggest that AR in children born SGA who do not experience CUG occurs later than in the general population, with no significant relationship between AR timing and puberty onset or growth outcomes.

Keyword

Small for Gestational Age; Adiposity; Time; Growth; v

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Flow chart of included subject in this study.SGA = small for gestational age.

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  Fig. 2 Growth velocity according to adiposity rebound range.

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