Changes in Early Childhood Obesity from 2016 to 2019 and Effective Factors

Objective: Aim of our study is showing the changes of factors that affecting early childhood obesity from 2016 to 2019 and to ensure that necessary measures are taken about this regard. Methods: 3 years follow-up information of 388 babies whom born in 2013 and 2016 and registered at the Family Health Centers of Rize (Turkey) included to our study. The family doctors participating in this study examined these babies who were registered to them during their 1st, 3rd, 7th, 9th, 12th, 18th, 24th, 30th, 36th months at the family health centers in accordance with Turkish Health Ministry protocols and recorded their height, weight, head circumference and Body Mass Index (BMI). Descriptive statistical methods were used to evaluate the obtained data. Results: 388 babies included in study, 177 of them were born in 2013 and 211 of them were born in 2016. Percentage of being overweight or obese was 19.2% in babies born in 2013 and this rate decreased to 18.2% in babies born in 2016. Percentage of being overweight or obese was 16% in girls and 21.2% in boys. We observed that high birth weight (>4000 gr) and excess gestational weight gain (GWG) are risk factors for being overweight or obese at the age of three (p=0.048). Conclusions: Result of our study showed us that although prevalence of early childhood obesity decreased, but prevalence is still at critical level. We found that GWG and high birth weight are risk factors for early childhood obesity. In future obesity prevention studies, taking these risk factors into account will be beneficial.