Prematurity and the Risk of Development of Childhood Obesity: Piecing Together the Pathophysiological Puzzle. A Literature Review

One of the most devastating public health challenges in the twenty-first century is childhood obesity, and its prevalence is growing at a frightening rate. Premature infants have a greater likelihood of childhood obesity at age six to 16 compared to term infants. This study aims to explore the under...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2021-12, Vol.13 (12), p.e20518-e20518
Main Author: Gnawali, Anupa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Childhood
Chronic illnesses
Endocrinology/Diabetes/Metabolism
Family/General Practice
Hormones
Newborn babies
Obesity
Pediatrics
Premature babies
Premature birth
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Summary:One of the most devastating public health challenges in the twenty-first century is childhood obesity, and its prevalence is growing at a frightening rate. Premature infants have a greater likelihood of childhood obesity at age six to 16 compared to term infants. This study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of developing childhood obesity in this high-risk group. There are most likely multiple interconnected and supporting mechanisms that put this vulnerable population at risk of childhood obesity. Inflammation is a possible root cause. Prenatal causes included epigenetic changes as well as placental inflammation. Disturbances in hormonal pathways and elevated levels of serum bilirubin are possible explanations. Furthermore, preventable factors in the postnatal period were identified, such as weight gain and exclusive breastfeeding. The prevalence of childhood obesity in preterm infants is high; thus, it is essential to understand the pathophysiology and address any preventable factors to decrease this disease burden.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.20518