Small for gestational age and obesity: Epidemiology and general risks

Hyo Kyoung Nam, Kee Hyoung Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

36 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Children born small for gestational age (SGA) have several life-long consequences. Previous epidemiological studies investigated from childhood to adulthood reported that a number of chronic diseases originate in the prenatal period. With the emerging era of obesity epidemic, more concerns are related to being obese than being short-statured in SGA children. The exact mechanisms are uncertain; however, growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor axis disturbance by fetal programming and accelerated postnatal weight gain contributed to central adiposity in SGA children. In this review, we summarized the definitions and prevalence of SGA, epidemiology, and general risks of obesity in SGA children. Early interventions, before and after birth, are needed for healthy catch-up growth to prevent later obesity and related complications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9-13
Number of pages5
JournalAnnals of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018 Mar

Keywords

  • Epidemiology
  • Obesity
  • Small for gestational age

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

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