Mixed
Early-life undernutrition (intrauterine or infant stunting) permanently alters metabolic programming, significantly increasing the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease in adulthood, particularly when followed by a nutrition transition involving energy-dense diets.
For individuals in resource-limited settings or those with a history of childhood stunting, standard weight-loss advice may be insufficient. Prevention of early-life malnutrition is critical. For adults with this history, interventions must address both dietary quality (micronutrients) and energy balance, recognizing a higher biological susceptibility to metabolic disease.
According to the theory of the early origins of chronic diseases, nutritional insults in utero or during infancy permanently change the body’s structure, function, and metabolism in such a way that the risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes and CVD is increased in later life. Therefore, early malnutrition exacerbates the health risks associated with the nutrition transition.
Why this rating
The paper cites multiple population studies, the THUSA study, and the theory of early origins, though it notes some evidence is 'less documented' for postnatal vs intrauterine effects.
Source
<i>Poverty</i>
Hélène Delisle · Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · 2008
DOI 10.1196/annals.1425.026
Related findings · Mixed
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