Gaining weight too quickly and a birth weight of >3.8 kg are warning signs of overweight and obesity in newborns. Overweight and obese infants are at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, gallstones, and cancer as they grow older. So, what are the causes of overweight and obesity in newborns? Let’s explore the following article.
1. Causes of Overweight and Obesity in Newborns
1.1 While in the Womb
Mothers with diabetes have a higher risk of overweight and obesity in their children
Many infants are overweight even before they are born. Most parents desire their children to be chubby at birth, leading some families to excessively nourish the fetus, resulting in a birth weight exceeding the normal range (over 3.8 kg).
Typically, the normal birth weight for infants is between 2.5-3.8 kg. Babies weighing more than 3.8 kg may appear normal but often have weaker health compared to those within the normal weight range (2.5-3.8 kg). Most overweight newborns are born to mothers with diabetes.
Pregnant women who gain around 15 kg or more during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to overweight infants. If both parents are overweight, the risk of having an overweight newborn increases by 3 to 6 times compared to those with parents of normal weight. Therefore, close monitoring of the infant is essential, especially in the early days after birth to minimize complications.
1.2 Infants Under 1 Year Old
In the first months of life, newborns grow very quickly. By the end of the year, their weight can triple compared to their birth weight, their height can increase by 25 cm, and head circumference can grow by about 10 cm.
Infants who are not breastfed but fed formula have a 2.8 times higher risk of being overweight or obese compared to those exclusively breastfed.
Exclusively breastfed infants have a lower risk of becoming overweight or obese. If their weight does increase, it is easier to manage and typically does not have serious health implications.
Infants fed formula are more likely to be overweight than those exclusively breastfed.
2. Overweight Fetuses Are More Prone to Chronic Diseases
Overweight children, especially overweight newborns, are at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, gallstones, and cancer as they grow older.
Currently, overweight newborns are monitored by doctors to detect chronic diseases early and take timely measures. However, this often occurs shortly after the baby is born. In later stages, it is primarily the parents’ responsibility to closely monitor their child’s weight and adjust their diet, nutrition, and activity levels accordingly.
Parents should familiarize themselves with developmental indicators that balance weight and height relative to their child’s age to track growth and make necessary adjustments to prevent potential health risks.
3. What is a Healthy Weight Gain for Newborns?
Parents should monitor their child’s weight to balance their nutritional intake. Consult a doctor if there are signs of overweight or obesity.
During pregnancy, mothers can gain between 9-12 kg, with a weight increase of about 1-2 kg in the first trimester, 3-4 kg in the second trimester, and 5-6 kg in the third trimester. If a mother gains weight appropriately, after 9 months and 10 days of pregnancy, the baby will be born full-term and weigh around 3 kg.
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can lead to newborns being overweight or obese. However, mothers should not restrict their diet too much. Insufficient weight gain can lead to underweight and malnourished infants, increasing the risk of premature birth. This can make the subsequent care of the child very challenging. Physical and mental development in children can also be affected. Therefore, parents need to balance their children’s diet and nutrition appropriately.
Overweight newborns is a common issue today, especially when many expectant mothers still hold the belief that eating as much as possible is best for their child. Therefore, regular prenatal check-ups are essential to ensure the health and development of the baby, as well as to receive professional advice from reputable healthcare providers on pregnancy-related issues.
