Infectious diseases in children and body mass index in young adults

Emerg Infect Dis. 2012 Sep;18(9):1490-2. doi: 10.3201/eid1809.111821.

Abstract

In a cohort of 1,863 Filipinos, diarrhea, fever, and unsanitary conditions in infancy were associated with a decreased body mass index in adulthood; upper respiratory tract infection was associated with an increased body mass index. These finding support the hypothesis that infections early in life play a role in body habitus in adulthood.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Body Mass Index*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Communicable Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Philippines / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Young Adult