ABSTRACT
The impact of birthweight on death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) is considered first, followed by the evidence for links with cardiovascular morbidity and risk factors for heart disease including blood pressure and obesity. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and their links with birthweight are discussed next. The evidence linking birth weight through childhood respiratory illness to adult respiratory disease is presented. Cancer in adulthood has also been linked to fetal and early childhood growth; the links are discussed in relation to different types of cancer. Height attained and cognitive functioning in adults have been associated with birth weight. The evidence for these associations is considered.
