ABSTRACT
The obesity epidemic has affected individuals across the life span. It is of particular concern in early life, as 20% of children are already overweight and obese before they enter school, with higher rates among low-income children, and African American and Hispanic children [1,2]. The first years of life are a period of dramatic growth and developmental change, and early-life growth patterns, particularly more rapid weight gain during infancy and early childhood, predict increased risk for obesity later in life [3,4]. Rapid weight gain in infancy has also been associated with increased risk for hypertension [5], coronary heart disease [6], and type 2 diabetes mellitus [7]. Because rapid growth trajectories in early life increase risk for obesity and related comorbidities later in the life span, prevention of rapid weight gain is an obvious target for early intervention. However, at present, there is limited evidence on how to do this [1].
