Research
Mixed
Infant weight gain predicts lean mass in developing countries but predicts fat mass and obesity in industrialized populations.
In industrialized nations, rapid infant weight gain is a risk factor for obesity. In developing countries, it may help build muscle mass. Public health advice should be tailored to the local context and genetic background.
GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
Findings for infant growth rate appear population-specific, with infant weight gain predicting subsequent lean mass in developing countries, but predicting subsequent fat mass and obesity in industrialised populations.
Why this rating
Based on multiple studies from different populations (European, American, Guatemalan, Indian) showing consistent population-specific trends.
Source
Programming of body composition by early growth and nutrition
Jonathan C. K. Wells et al. · Proceedings of The Nutrition Society · 2007
DOI 10.1017/s0029665107005691
narrative_reviewCited 439×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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