(P20-021-24) Exploring the Role of Demographics, Early Life Factors and Dietary Patterns in the Initial Year on Body Mass Index of School Going Children in New Delhi, India

Objectives: To explore the relationship between demographics, early life factors, such as prenatal and perinatal influences, and their impact on body mass index (BMI) in Indian school children.

Methods: This study was conducted in Northern India, involved 1072 schoolchildren aged 6-16 years. The survey included anthropometric measurements (height and weight), demographic information, early life factors, and dietary patterns. BMI were categorized as underweight ( < 18.5), healthy (18.5-22.9), overweight (23-24.9), and obese ( >25).

Results: Most participants exhibited underweight status (65.8%), followed by healthy weight (29.9%). A small proportion were overweight (4.4%), and none were obese. The proportion of adolescent children in the overweight group was higher than the underweight group (53.3% vs 41.3%). Most overweight children (70.2%) were from an urban residential setting versus only 4.3% from rural residential setting (4.3%, p=0.004). Examination of relevant prenatal exposures indicated that 27.1% of the underweight children’s mother were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke during pregnancy compared to 14.9% of overweight children(p=0.023). Perinatal factors such as the mode of birth showed that a greater number of underweight children were born vaginally (78.9%) compared to 73.4% of healthy weight and 63.8% of overweight children (p=0.018). The infants introduced to colostrum were more likely to fall within a healthy BMI range (94.4%; p=0.004). Of the children with healthy BMI, 64.1% were breast fed for >12 months, compared to 58% of underweight and 42.6% of overweight children (p=0.010). Notably, the introduction of packaged baby food showed a significant association with increased overweight prevalence (63.8%, p=0.000).

Conclusions: The study underscores the impact of early life practices on BMI in the North Indian context and emphasizes considering demographics and early life factors in health assessments. Associations provide insights for targeted interventions and nutritional strategies for healthy growth. The research contributes to understanding the multifaceted influences on BMI, laying the foundation for future investigations in pediatric nutrition and health.

Funding Sources: CFAAR, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA