Research
Hormonal
Childhood stunting and low birth weight are associated with an increased risk of obesity and metabolic complications later in life, particularly in Asian populations.
Ensure adequate nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood to prevent stunting, which is a risk factor for obesity and metabolic disease later in life.
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
This has been attributed to the 'thrifty phenotype' in which a low birth weight due to poor intrauterine growth followed by a rapid childhood weight gain promotes development of obesity and associated metabolic complications [10].
Why this rating
Based on observational studies and theoretical frameworks (thrifty phenotype) cited in the paper.
Source
Rising Burden of Obesity in Asia
Ambady Ramachandran et al. · Journal of Obesity · 2010
DOI 10.1155/2010/868573
narrative_reviewCited 303×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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- Rapid socioeconomic transitions in Asia, characterized by increased availability of energy-dense foods and reduced physical activity due to mechanization and sedentary lifestyles, are the primary drivers of the obesity epidemic.Good
- Asian populations have a higher risk of metabolic disorders (diabetes, CVD) at lower BMI levels compared to Western populations due to higher body fat percentage and central adiposity for a given BMI.Good
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